turn away

verb

turned away; turning away; turns away

transitive verb

1
a
: to refuse admittance or acceptance to
b
: to send away : reject, dismiss
c
: repel
2

intransitive verb

: to start to go away : depart

Examples of turn away in a Sentence

using tree branches, the campers were able to turn away the charging fox, which was apparently rabid
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In fact, seven of the dogs turned away from the mirror to look toward their owner's actual location. Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 21 Feb. 2025 In the 12th minute, Vidaurre was turned away again by Pears on a blistering shot from 19 yards out. Gary Curreri, Sun Sentinel, 21 Feb. 2025 Resetting priorities Reflecting this shift in public opinion, politicians are turning away from climate too. Simmone Shah, TIME, 21 Feb. 2025 Investors have turned away from Deckers after its latest quarterly earnings in January. Hakyung Kim, CNBC, 21 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for turn away

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of turn away was in the 13th century

Cite this Entry

“Turn away.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turn%20away. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

turn away

verb
: to refuse to let in : send away
all the seats were sold and a large crowd had to be turned away

More from Merriam-Webster on turn away

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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