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.
New Zealanders must now be registered and have their addresses and other details updated in the system 13 days before election day, or they will be turned away from polling places. — ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026 The coroner’s report said that Khalil died in the evening from cardiac arrest due to head trauma and severe bleeding, hours after paramedics initially entered the area and were turned away, said Human Rights Watch’s Lebanon Researcher Ramzi Kaiss. — Kareem Chehayeb, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026 American public opinion is turning away from unconditional support of Israel since Israel’s genocide in Gaza. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 5 Aug. 2026 Pirro later dropped the investigation, but not before several of her deputies first made an unannounced visit to the Fed's construction site and tried to gain access to the property before being turned away. — Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 4 Aug. 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 10 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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