Turn meaning

What does “turn” mean? Definitions, examples, synonyms and opposites.

“turn” is a noun and verb with 38 meanings. Its most common meaning is: a circular segment of a curve.

turn

noun

  1. a circular segment of a curve

    “a bend in the road”

    “a crook in the path”

  2. the act of changing or reversing the direction of the course

    “he took a turn to the right”

    Synonymsturning
  3. (game) the activity of doing something in an agreed succession

    “it is my turn”

    “it is still my play”

    Synonymsplay
  4. an unforeseen development

    “events suddenly took an awkward turn”

  5. a movement in a new direction

    “the turning of the wind”

    Synonymsturning
  6. the act of turning away or in the opposite direction

    “he made an abrupt turn away from her”

  7. turning or twisting around (in place)

    “with a quick twist of his head he surveyed the room”

    Synonymstwist
  8. a time period for working (after which you will be relieved by someone else)

    “it's my go”

    “a spell of work”

    Synonymsgospelltour
  9. (sports) a division during which one team is on the offensive

    Synonymsboutround
  10. a short performance that is part of a longer program

    “he did his act three times every evening”

    “she had a catchy little routine”

  11. a favor for someone

    “he did me a good turn”

    Synonymsgood turn
  12. taking a short walk out and back

    “we took a turn in the park”

verb

  1. change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense

    “Turn towards me”

    “The mugger turned and fled before I could see his face”

  2. undergo a transformation or a change of position or action

    “We turned from Socialism to Capitalism”

    “The people turned against the President when he stole the election”

    Synonymschange state
  3. undergo a change or development

    “The water turned into ice”

    “Her former friend became her worst enemy”

    Synonymsbecome
  4. cause to move around or rotate

    “turn a key”

    “turn your palm this way”

  5. change to the contrary

    “The trend was reversed”

    “the tides turned against him”

  6. pass to the other side of

    “turn the corner”

    “move around the obstacle”

    Synonymsmove around
  7. pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become

    “The weather turned nasty”

    “She grew angry”

    Synonymsgrow
  8. let (something) fall or spill from a container

    “turn the flour onto a plate”

    Synonymsrelease
  9. move around an axis or a center

    “The wheels are turning”

  10. cause to move around a center so as to show another side of

    “turn a page of a book”

    Synonymsturn over
  11. to send or let go

    “They turned away the crowd at the gate of the governor's mansion”

  12. to break and turn over earth especially with a plow

    “Farmer Jones plowed his east field last week”

    “turn the earth in the Spring”

    Synonymsplowplough
  13. shape by rotating on a lathe or cutting device or a wheel

    “turn the legs of the table”

    “turn the clay on the wheel”

  14. change color

    “In Vermont, the leaves turn early”

  15. twist suddenly so as to sprain

    “wrench one's ankle”

    “The wrestler twisted his shoulder”

  16. cause to change or turn into something different;assume new characteristics

    “The princess turned the frog into a prince by kissing him”

    “The alchemists tried to turn lead into gold”

  17. accomplish by rotating

    “turn a somersault”

    “turn cartwheels”

  18. get by buying and selling

    “the company turned a good profit after a year”

  19. cause to move along an axis or into a new direction

    “turn your face to the wall”

    “turn the car around”

  20. channel one's attention, interest, thought, or attention toward or away from something

    “The pedophile turned to boys for satisfaction”

    “people turn to mysticism at the turn of a millennium”

  21. cause (a plastic object) to assume a crooked or angular form

    “bend the rod”

    “twist the dough into a braid”

  22. alter the functioning or setting of

    “turn the dial to 10”

    “turn the heat down”

  23. direct at someone

    “She turned a smile on me”

    “They turned their flashlights on the car”

  24. have recourse to or make an appeal or request for help or information to

    “She called on her Representative to help her”

    “She turned to her relatives for help”

    Synonymscall on
  25. go sour or spoil

    “The milk has soured”

    “The wine worked”

  26. become officially one year older

    “She is turning 50 this year”

Source: WordNet 3.1, Princeton University