View synonyms for turn back

turn back

Drive someone back or away, as in They turned back anyone who didn't have an invitation , or Our forces soon turned back the enemy . [First half of 1500s]
Reverse one's direction, as in We had to turn back earlier than expected . [First half of 1500s]
Fold down, as in Turn back the page you're on to keep your place in the magazine . [Second half of 1800s] Also see turn one's back on .

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Looking to turn back the tide or at least hold it back for one more election, Clinton will stump in Benton County next week.

The European Union called for Russia to revoke its decision and turn back.

At some point, they walk away, but then turn back and the fight resumes.

A chill coursed through me, but I resisted the urge to turn back.

It turns out that only when Muhammad Ali is in a boxing ring can he, or does he choose to, turn back the clock.

Sieur de Poutrincourt got into a boat to go and head it off, and, with the help of a big dog, made it turn back whence it came.

The crew now lost courage, and affirmed that it would be advisable to turn back and wait for more favourable winds.

Her heart was beating a little faster now; she half felt inclined to turn back and abandon the enterprise altogether.

I wished to turn back, but the fellow paid no attention to my desire, and continued walking towards the wood.

She rode as near to the Osbornes as she thought prudent, and was about to turn back, when she saw a great cloud of smoke arising.

April 18, 2024petrichor

[pet-ri-kawr]

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