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Antonyms for turn

Grammar : Noun, verb
Spell : turn
Phonetic Transcription : tÉœrn

Definition of turn

Origin :
  • 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.
  • noun revolution, curving
  • noun sudden change
  • noun chance, opportunity
  • noun walk, outing
  • noun aptitude, knack
  • noun scare
  • verb revolve, curve
  • verb reverse; change course
  • verb adapt, fit
  • verb become sour or tainted
  • verb use; resort to
  • verb sicken
  • verb change one's mind; defect
  • verb twist a body part
Example sentences :
  • Therefore I was obliged to turn back, as our horses were done up.
  • Extract from : « Explorations in Australia » by John Forrest
  • The boy must be a young brute to turn upon you so violently.
  • Extract from : « Brave and Bold » by Horatio Alger
  • Be happy, and rejoice in your weakness—but turn now to the strong for strength.
  • Extract from : « Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, No. 327 » by Various
  • And I tell you honest, friend, I'd as soon drill you as turn around.
  • Extract from : « Way of the Lawless » by Max Brand
  • Shall we pause now and turn our back upon the road that lies ahead?
  • Extract from : « United States Presidents' Inaugural Speeches » by Various
  • We can turn rivers in their courses, level mountains to the plains.
  • Extract from : « United States Presidents' Inaugural Speeches » by Various
  • All you had to do when you got it inside a man was to turn it round a bit, and the wound gaped and tore.
  • Extract from : « Viviette » by William J. Locke
  • I was forced to turn my face from them, and pull out my handkerchief.
  • Extract from : « Clarissa, Volume 1 (of 9) » by Samuel Richardson
  • Harriett put on her hat and went round to Lizzie and Sarah in turn.
  • Extract from : « Life and Death of Harriett Frean » by May Sinclair
  • Then you'll turn around and walk straight back to the shack.
  • Extract from : « Way of the Lawless » by Max Brand

Synonyms for turn

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019