The phrase "turn against" refers to the act of changing one's allegiance or loyalty from supporting to opposing someone or something. The phonetic transcription of "turn against" is /tɜːrn əˈɡɛnst/, where the "u" sound is pronounced as /ɜː/, and the "a" in "against" is pronounced as /ə/. The "g" sound in "against" is pronounced as /ɡ/, which is different from the pronunciation of the word "again" where the "g" sound is silent. Proper spelling and pronunciation are essential for effective communication.
The phrase "turn against" primarily refers to a situation where someone shifts their loyalty, support, or affection from a previously favored person, group, idea, or cause to one that is opposed or hostile towards it. It denotes a change in sentiment, opinion, or allegiance, where an individual becomes adversarial, unsupportive, or critical of something or someone they previously endorsed.
When a person "turns against" another individual, it implies that they have become antagonistic, hostile, or disillusioned towards them. This change often stems from a perceived betrayal, disagreement, or disappointment, causing a rupture in the once amicable relationship.
Similarly, "turning against" a group or organization signifies a shift in support or allegiance, typically brought about by a loss of trust, conflicting ideologies, or dissent on objectives or policies. This can lead to active opposition, criticism, or disassociation from the previous affiliation.
On a broader scale, "turning against" can also encompass the rejection or abandonment of previously held beliefs, values, or principles. This occurs when an individual experiences a change in perspective, ideology, or social attitudes, leading to a shift in their support or opposition regarding certain issues or causes.
In summary, "turning against" implies a fundamental change in loyalty, support, or sentiment from a once favored person, group, idea, or cause to one that is now opposed or antagonistic, often driven by disillusionment, disagreement, or a change in beliefs.
The word "turn against" does not have a specific etymology as it is a combination of two separate words: "turn" and "against". However, we can explore the origins of each word individually.
1. "Turn":
The word "turn" comes from the Old English word "turnian" which means "to rotate, revolve" or "change direction". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "turnōną" and the Proto-Indo-European root "tornos", meaning "a turning" or "a lathe". The word "turn" has been used in various contexts throughout history, including the sense of "changing one's direction of movement" or "changing one's position, attitude, or course of action".
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