TURNS BACK Meaning and
Definition
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turns back (verb phrase):
1. To reverse direction or change one's course and return to a previous point or location. This action is often undertaken due to a change of plans, a realization of having taken a wrong path, or the need to retrieve something left behind. Example: "Realizing he had forgotten his keys, John turned back and headed home."
2. To abandon a previous decision, belief, or course of action and adopt a new one. This is typically done as a result of reconsideration, new information, or a change in circumstances. Example: "After much thought, Sara turned back on her decision to quit her job and decided to give it another chance."
3. To retract or withdraw something that was said, done, or offered. This is usually done in response to regrets, a change of mind, or a desire to amend a situation. Example: "Realizing the potential consequences of his words, Mark quickly turned back his offensive statement and apologized."
4. To recoil or retreat emotionally from a particular situation, relationship, or commitment. This often occurs due to fear, doubt, or a lack of interest. Example: "Feeling overwhelmed by the responsibilities, Susan turned back from her commitment to lead the project."
In general, "turns back" refers to a reversal or retraction of a previous action, decision, or physical motion. This phrase can be used in various contexts such as travel, decision-making, speech, and emotional attachments.
Common Misspellings for TURNS BACK
- turnes back
- turne back
- rurns back
- furns back
- gurns back
- yurns back
- 6urns back
- 5urns back
- tyrns back
- thrns back
- tjrns back
- tirns back
- t8rns back
- t7rns back
- tuens back
- tudns back
- tufns back
- tutns back
- tu5ns back
- tu4ns back
Etymology of TURNS BACK
The phrase "turns back" consists of two separate words, each with its etymology:
1. Turn:
The word "turn" comes from the Old English word "turnian", which means "to rotate" or "to revolve". It can be traced further back to the Latin word "tornare" meaning "to turn on a lathe" or "to shape by rotating". The term "turn" has always referred to the act of changing direction or position.
2. Back:
The word "back" has Old English roots and is related to the Old Saxon word "bak", Dutch word "bak", and Old Norse word "bak". All of these share the idea of the rear or hind part. The origin is uncertain, but it is theorized to come from the Proto-Germanic word "*bag".
