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Meaning of turn back

Source language: EnglishDictionary language: English

turn back

Pronunciation:

verb

Definitions

  1. To reverse direction and retrace one's steps.

    Example: Realising he had forgotten his briefcase, he turned back and re-entered the office.

  2. To cause to reverse direction and retrace one's steps.

    Example: The barrage of machine-gun fire turned back the encroaching soldiers.

  3. To return to a previous state of being.

    Example: He stopped drinking for a couple of years, but now he has turned back to his old ways.

  4. To prevent or refuse to allow passage or progress.

    Example: The soldiers turned back all the refugees at the frontier.