turn back Meaning, Definition & Usage

1. verb retrace one's course
   double back; backtrack.
   
   • The hikers got into a storm and had to turn back
2. verb go back to a previous state
   retrovert; return; revert; regress.
   
   • We reverted to the old rules
3. verb force to go away; used both with concrete and metaphoric meanings
   drive out; dispel; drive away; chase away; drive off; run off.
   
   • Drive away potential burglars
   • drive away bad thoughts
   • dispel doubts
   • The supermarket had to turn back many disappointed customers
4. verb hold back, as of a danger or an enemy; check the expansion or influence of
   stop; hold back; arrest; contain; check.
   
   • Arrest the downward trend
   • Check the growth of communism in South East Asia
   • Contain the rebel movement
   • Turn back the tide of communism
5. verb turn inside out or upside down
   invert; reverse.
   

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