Turn — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms
Meaning & Definition of Turn
Turn (verb)
- to cause to move around an axis or a center, make rotate or revolve
- to cause to move around so as to effect a desired end (as of locking, opening, or shutting)
- to affect or alter the functioning of (something, such as a mechanical device) or the level of (something, such as sound) by such movement
Turn (noun)
- the action or an act of turning about a center or axis, revolution, rotation
- any of various rotating or pivoting movements in dancing or gymnastics
- the action or an act of giving or taking a different direction, change of course or posture
Turn (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms
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to move (something) in a curved or circular path on or as if on an axis
"turned the doorknob as quietly as possible"
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to change the course or direction of (something)
"the dog turned the stampeding flock of sheep around"
"he turned his cart uphill"
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to change one's course or direction
"we turned left at the light"
"the storm unexpectedly turned south and missed our area"
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to eventually have as a state or quality
"will turn 12 in six months"
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to move in circles around an axis or center
"the wheels turned, but the car was hopelessly stuck and wasn't moving"
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to give serious and careful thought to
"turned the question every which way but could find no answer"
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to be determined by, based on, or subject (to)
"what we do next turns on your answer to the following question"
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to be in a confused state as if from being twirled around
"all the new information made his head turn"
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to cause to have often negative opinions formed without sufficient knowledge
"he did his best to turn his new friends against his ex-wife"
Turn (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms
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a relaxed journey on foot for exercise or pleasure
"would you care to take a turn around the garden?"
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an act of kind assistance
"one good turn deserves another"
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a habitual attraction to some activity or thing
"an adventurous turn of mind that led him toward more physical activities like biking and skateboarding"
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something that curves or is curved
"right after this turn in the road you'll find the antiques shop on the right"
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a sudden experiencing of a physical or mental disorder
"a sudden turn of dizziness that may have been brought on by a change in her medication"
-
a performance regularly presented by an individual or group
"between the show's two major musical acts, there was a short turn by a juggling troupe"
Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Turn
The most common words with a similar meaning to Turn:
Near Antonyms of Turn
Word Forms of Turn
Inflections: turned, turning, turns
Derived words: turnable (adjective)
Origin & Etymology of Turn
Middle English turnen, tornen, in part going back to Old English tyrnan, turnian "to move round on an axis, come round cyclically, cause to move about an axis, shift position," borrowed from early Medieval Latin tornāre, going back to Latin, "to make round by turning on a lathe," derivative of tornus "lathe," borrowed from Greek tórnos "peg and string used to trace circles, central point, lathe"; in part borrowed from Anglo-French turner, torner, tourner (also continental Old French), going back to early Medieval Latin tornāre; Greek tórnos going back to Indo-European *torh1-n-o, derivative of the verbal base *terh1- "rub, bore" trite
First known use: before 12th centuryt
Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Turn
- Topics: Common Actions / Verbs
Words & Phrases Containing Turn
Frequently Asked Questions about Turn
What does "Turn" mean?
"Turn" means to cause to move around an axis or a center, make rotate or revolve. As an a verb and a noun, it is defined as: to cause to move around an axis or a center, make rotate or revolve. It has 15 distinct senses.
What is another word for "Turn"?
Other words for "Turn" include pivot, revolve, roll, rotate, spin, swing, swirl and swivel. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Turn" you intend.
What are different ways to say "Turn"?
There are 299 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Turn". Common alternatives include pivot, revolve, roll, rotate, spin, swing, swirl, swivel, twirl and twist.
How do you use "Turn" in a sentence?
Examples of "Turn" in a sentence: "turned the doorknob as quietly as possible"; "the dog turned the stampeding flock of sheep around"; "he turned his cart uphill".
Is "Turn" a noun, verb, or adjective?
"Turn" can be used as a verb and a noun, depending on the context.
How do you pronounce "Turn"?
"Turn" is pronounced /ˈtərn/.
What is the origin of the word "Turn"?
"Turn" comes from Middle English turnen, tornen, in part going back to Old English tyrnan, turnian "to move round on an axis, come round cyclically, cause to move about an axis, shift position," borrowed from early Medieval Latin tornāre, going back to Latin, "to make round by turning on a lathe," derivative of tornus "lathe," borrowed from Greek tórnos "peg and string used to trace circles, central point, lathe"; in part borrowed from Anglo-French turner, torner, tourner (also continental Old French), going back to early Medieval Latin tornāre; Greek tórnos going back to Indo-European *torh1-n-o, derivative of the verbal base *terh1- "rub, bore" trite. First known use: before 12th centuryt.
What is another word for "Turn" meaning "to move (something) in a curved or circular path on or as if on an axis"?
When "Turn" (verb) means to move (something) in a curved or circular path on or as if on an axis, synonyms include pivot, revolve, roll, rotate, spin and swing.