WordLens

turn back

1 of 1verb
/tɜrn bæk/
Forms:turns back,turning back,turned back,turned back
1

to return to a previous state or condition

  • Despite her efforts to move forward, she couldn't shake off her doubts and found herself turning back to old habits.
  • The peace talks seemed promising at first, but recent events have caused negotiations to turn back to hostility.
  • The medication helped him improve temporarily, but soon he began to turn back to his previous condition.
Synonyms:
regressreturnretrovertrevert
2

to set something to a previous state or setting

  • The technician had to turn back the thermostat because the room was too warm.
  • I accidentally deleted some important files.Is there a way to turn back the changes and recover them?
  • It's difficult to turn back the impact of technological advancements.
  • Efforts to turn back climate change require global collaboration.
3

to go back along the same route one already covered

  • The pilgrims turned back when they reached a restricted area.
  • The cyclists had to turn back because of a mechanical failure.
  • The pilgrims turned back when they reached a restricted area.
  • The explorers decided to turn back after facing harsh weather conditions.
  • The pilot decided to turn back because of engine trouble.
Synonyms:
double backbacktrack
4

to set something to a previous state or setting, especially regarding time or a particular condition

  • The technician had to turn back the thermostat because the room was too warm.
  • Can you please turn back the volume on the TV?It's too loud.
  • I accidentally deleted some important files.Is there a way to turn back the changes and recover them?
5

to force someone or something to go back toward where they came from, often with authority

  • Due to the road closure, the police had to turn back hundreds of cars to divert traffic.
  • The border patrol turned back several migrants who attempted to cross the border illegally.
  • The security guard turned back anyone without proper identification from entering the restricted area.
  • The police turned back the protesters who tried to march toward the government building.
6

to prevent the advance of a danger or an enemy

  • Despite their persistence, the border patrol successfully turned back those attempting to cross the border illegally.
  • The bouncer had to turn back individuals who didn't meet the entry requirements for the exclusive club.
  • The brave soldiers stood firm, determined to turn back the advancing enemy troops.
  • The security measures were designed to turn back any potential threats at the border before they could pose a danger to the country.
  • The principal had to turn back the students who arrived late for the school trip, as the bus had already left.
Synonyms:
containcheckarresthold backstop
7

to flip an item to reveal its opposite side or transform its appearance

  • The tailor skillfully turned the jacket back to fix a seam.
  • The archaeologist carefully turned back the ancient parchment, revealing an additional layer of writing.
  • I turned the blanket back to find the tag with washing instructions.
  • Turn the shirt back before ironing to smooth out the collar.
Synonyms:
invertreverse
8

to change one's mind or undo something that has been done, said, or promised

  • Once you've signed the contract, there's no turning back; you're committed to the terms and conditions.
  • The company decided to turn back on their initial decision to lay off employees after receiving backlash from the public.
  • The detective couldn't turn back once he started following the suspect; he had to see the investigation through to the end.
  • Despite his doubts, he couldn't turn back once he began the adventurous journey into the unknown.
  • The politician faced criticism for attempting to turn back on his campaign promises once in office.