The phrase "turned upon" is often spelled with the vowel sound "ʌ" as in "turnt". This spelling can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), where "ʌ" represents the "uh" sound. Additionally, the final syllable "-ed" is commonly pronounced as "t" when preceded by an unvoiced consonant, as in "burned". Therefore, the spelling "turnt" accurately reflects the way the phrase is pronounced in many English dialects. However, it is important to note that this spelling is considered nonstandard and may not appear in formal writing.
"Turned upon" is a phrasal verb that refers to the act or result of changing one's attitude or behavior towards someone or something, typically from positive or supportive to negative, hostile, or critical. It implies a sudden shift in individual or collective sentiment or opinion.
This phrase often describes a situation in which individuals or a group of people who were once supportive, sympathetic, or approving of someone or something, have now become antagonistic, critical, or unsympathetic towards them. The change in attitude may be caused by a variety of factors, such as a new revelation about the person or thing, a change in circumstances, or a disagreement or disappointment.
When someone is described as being "turned upon," it suggests that they were previously in a position of favor or trust, but have now become the target of criticism, blame, or anger. It can occur in personal relationships, politics, or even public opinion towards celebrities, organizations, or ideologies.
For example, a politician may enjoy popularity and support from their constituents, but if they make a controversial decision or are involved in a scandal, public sentiment can quickly turn upon them, leading to criticism, loss of trust, or even calls for their resignation. Similarly, a celebrity may be admired by their fans, but if they are involved in a controversy, their fans may turn upon them and express disappointment or disapproval through social media or other platforms.
The phrase "turned upon" is not a standalone word with its own specific etymology. Rather, it consists of two separate words, "turned" and "upon". Here is a brief explanation of the etymology of each word:
1. Turned: The word "turned" comes from the Old English word "turnian", which means "to revolve or rotate". It has Germanic origins and can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "turnaną". The word "turned" developed over time and took on various meanings related to rotating, changing direction, or redirecting.
2. Upon: The word "upon" originated from the Old English word "uppan", which is a combination of "up" (meaning "above" or "on") and "-an" (a preposition). The word "upon" evolved from "uppon" to its modern form in Middle English.