turn back

1. Reverse one's direction, as in We had to turn back earlier than expected . [First half of 1500s]

2. 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]

3. 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 .

Example Sentences

So if I could turn back time and start drinking and banking collagen in my 20s, would I have smoother, more youthful skin now, I ask him?

From BBC

Which? highlighted cases including an insurer initially refusing to pay out for a cancelled holiday, because the trip had technically started before the flight was turned back after two hours.

From BBC

And then he doesn’t get the response he wants and runs out flailing, like a toad that finally got turned back into a man?

From Los Angeles Times

We think corporations that turn back on the concept of DEI have to be exposed, and consumers need to be very clear about how they spend their dollars.

From Los Angeles Times

“Gaza is burning,” Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said in a post on X. “We will not relent or turn back until the mission is complete.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• acknowledge 
• act 
• answer 
• behave 
• counter 
• feel 
• perform 
• proceed 
• reply 
• revert