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.
How can anyone turn away from the plight of a starving child? Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 May 2025 Taking time for yourself isn’t turning away but refueling for what lies ahead. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025 Walcott turned away from the fruit seller and looked at the sea, and the woman turned away from him. Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 25 May 2025 In its 2024 Securities and Exchange Commission report, Academy noted that consumers may be turned away by the controversial product. Sean Campbell, The Conversation, 23 May 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 Jun. 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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