turn back

verb

turned back; turning back; turns back

intransitive verb

1
a
: to go in the reverse direction
b
: to stop going forward
2
: to refer to an earlier time or place

transitive verb

1
: to drive back or away
2
: to stop the advance of
3
: to fold back
4
Phrases
turn back the clock
: to revert to or remind of a condition existing in the past

Examples of turn back in a Sentence

a cavalry charge that was turned back by withering fire
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.
Later in the season, as more northern waters cool off and the main hurricane development region stays toasty, the instability dial could be turned back up. Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 11 Sep. 2025 Clayton Kershaw has turned back the clock. The Athletic Mlb Staff, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025 The back caught just two of his six targets, earned Nix’s slight ire after not turning back for the ball on a third down, and was relegated mostly to the bench in the second half. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 8 Sep. 2025 Broyles said Los Amigos and Santiago high schools have turned back-to-school night into a kind of community resource fair. Hanna Kang, Oc Register, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for turn back

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of turn back was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Turn back.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turn%20back. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

turn back

verb
1
: to go in the reverse direction : return
turned back for home
2
: to stop the advance of : check
turned back the enemy
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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