turn back

as inreact
as inrecur
as inregress
as inrelapse
as inreverse
as inrevert
as inbackpedal
as inbacktrack
as inreoccur
as indouble back
as inget back

Synonyms for turn back

verb respond; conduct oneself

Antonyms for turn back

Word Origin & History

late Old English turnian "to rotate, revolve," in part also from Old French torner "to turn," both from Latin tornare "turn on a lathe," from tornus "lathe," from Greek tornos "lathe, tool for drawing circles," from PIE root *tere- "to rub, rub by turning, turn, twist" (see throw (v.)). Expression to turn (something) into (something else) probably retains the classical sense of "to shape on a lathe" (attested in English from c.1300). Related: Turned; turning.

To turn up "arrive" is recorded from 1755. Turn-off "something that dampens one's spirits" recorded by 1971 (said to have been in use since 1968); to turn (someone) on "excite, stimulate, arouse" is recorded from 1903. Someone should revive turn-sick "dizzy," which is attested from mid-15c. To turn (something) loose "set free" is recorded from 1590s. Turn down (v.) "reject" first recorded 1891, American English. Turn in "go to bed" is attested from 1690s, originally nautical. To turn the stomach "nauseate" is recorded from 1620s. To turn up one's nose as an expression of contempt is attested from 1779. Turning point is attested by 1836 in a figurative sense; literal sense from 1856.

Example Sentences for turn back

Therefore I was obliged to turn back, as our horses were done up.

We must now turn back a little, and follow the movements of Alcidas.

First of all, it was evident that he must turn back if he was to save his eyesight.

He could turn back; he must turn back; and as a corollary the Leopard Woman must turn back with him!

No longer was he determined that she must turn back at this point.

Eurylochus and a few of the others were inclined to turn back.

Well, then, I will turn back with you; but the punch will all be gone, mark my words.

I was just about to turn back, in order not to disturb her meditations, when she glanced at me.

You don't expect they will turn back and give us trouble, do you, Rob?

Thus led, my broodings leave the future, and turn back on the past.

turn back

Synonyms for turn back

Antonyms for turn back

More words related to turn back

backpedal

backtrack

double back

get back

got back

react