turn away

verb

turned away; turning away; turns away
Synonyms of turn awaynext

transitive verb

1
a
: to refuse admittance or acceptance to
b
: to send away : reject, dismiss
c
: repel
2
: deflect sense 2, avert

intransitive verb

: to start to go away : depart

Synonyms of turn away

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Examples of turn away in a Sentence

using tree branches, the campers were able to turn away the charging fox, which was apparently rabid
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Grassroots groups that help young people turn away from gun violence recently worked with Junior Cee Niko-Semos to build his résumé. — Alicia Victoria Lozano, NBC news, 2 Aug. 2026 Mali then turned away from its traditional Western partners to Russia — first to the Wagner Group, a private organization that acted as Russia’s diplomatic proxy. — ABC News, 31 July 2026 The high cost might turn away some fans, but everything is expensive at a game these days. — Jon Greenberg, New York Times, 31 July 2026 Zahra was ultimately turned away at the Moroccan border town of Fnideq and did not enter Ceuta. — Kerry Breen, CBS News, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for turn away

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of turn away was in the 13th century

Rhymes for turn away

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Browse Nearby Words

turn around and (do something)
turn away
turn back
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Turn away.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/turn%20away. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

turn away

verb
: to refuse to let in : send away
all the seats were sold and a large crowd had to be turned away

More from Merriam-Webster on turn away

Nglish: Translation of turn away for Spanish Speakers

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