turn back
verb
turned back; turning back; turns back
1
a
: to go in the reverse direction
b
: to stop going forward
2
: to refer to an earlier time or place
1
: to drive back or away
2
: to stop the advance of
3
: to fold back
Examples of turn back in a Sentence
a cavalry charge that was turned back by withering fire
Recent Examples on the Web
Magny turned back Rodriguez, submitting him in the third round.
—
Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
In tech, people are turning back to flip phones, Tamagotchi's and disposable film cameras.
—Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 July 2025
When Ingrid offers Maggie an alluring prospect — $3 million for Maggie to join her in a series of experimental medical sessions that turn back time — Maggie jumps at the chance.
—Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 16 July 2025
Nearly half of Spain's provinces were hit by intense flash floods, prompting over 200 emergency calls, hospital evacuations, and a Delta flight to turn back due to hail damage.
—Opheli Garcia Lawler, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for turn back
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
In tech, people are turning back to flip phones, Tamagotchi's and disposable film cameras.
—Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 July 2025
When Ingrid offers Maggie an alluring prospect — $3 million for Maggie to join her in a series of experimental medical sessions that turn back time — Maggie jumps at the chance.
—Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 16 July 2025
Nearly half of Spain's provinces were hit by intense flash floods, prompting over 200 emergency calls, hospital evacuations, and a Delta flight to turn back due to hail damage.
—Opheli Garcia Lawler, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for turn back
Cite this Entry
“Turn back.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turn%20back. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.
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