Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular presenttense turns, present participle turning, past tense, past participle turnedTurn is used in a large number of other expressions which are explained under other wordsin the dictionary. For example, the expression 'turn over a new leaf' is explainedat leaf.
1. verb
When you turn or when you turn part of your body, you move your body or part of your body so that it is facing in a different or opposite direction.
He turned abruptly and walked away. [VERB]
He turned to his publicist and jokingly asked, 'What's next?'. [VERB preposition/adverb]
He sighed, turning away and surveying the sea. [VERB preposition/adverb]
He turned his head left and right. [VERB noun adverb/preposition]
He waited for the woman to turn her face back to the road. [VERB noun adverb/preposition]
[Also VERB noun]
Synonyms: change course, swing round, wheel round, veer More Synonyms of turn
Turn around or turn round means the same as turn.
I felt a tapping on my shoulder and I turned around. [VERBPARTICLE]
Turn your upper body round so that your shoulders are facing to the side. [VERB noun PARTICLE]
2. verb
When you turn something, you move it so that it is facing in a different or opposite direction,or is in a very different position.
They turned their telescopes towards other nearby galaxies. [VERB noun preposition/adverb]
Turn the cake the right way up on to a wire rack. [VERB noun preposition/adverb]
I turned my jacket inside out. [VERB noun preposition/adverb]
She had turned the bedside chair to face the door. [VERB noun to-infinitive]
The lid, turned upside down, served as a coffee table. [VERB-ed]
3. verb
When something such as a wheel turns, or when you turn it, it continually moves around in a particular direction.
As the wheel turned, the potter shaped the clay. [VERB]
The engine turned a propeller. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: rotate, spin, go round (and round), revolve More Synonyms of turn
4. verb
When you turn something such as a key, knob, or switch, or when it turns, you hold it and twist your hand, in order to open something or make it start working.
Turn a special key, press the brake pedal, and your car's brakes lock. [VERB noun]
Turn the heat to very low and cook for 20 minutes. [VERB noun preposition/adverb]
I tried the doorknob and it turned. [VERB]
5. verb
When you turn in a particular direction or turn a corner, you change the direction in which you are moving or travelling.
He turned into the narrow terraced street where he lived. [VERB preposition/adverb]
Now turn right to follow West Ferry Road. [VERB preposition/adverb]
The man with the umbrella turned the corner again. [VERB noun]
Turn is also a noun.
You can't do a right-hand turn here.
6. verb
The point where a road, path, or river turns, is the point where it has a bend or curve in it.
...the corner where Tenterfield Road turned into the main road. [VERB preposition/adverb]
[Also VERB]
Synonyms: bend, curve, meander, wind More Synonyms of turn
Turn is also a noun.
...a sharp turn in the road. [+ in]
7. verb
When the tide turns, it starts coming in or going out.
There was not much time before the tide turned. [VERB]
8. verb
When someone turns a cartwheel or a somersault, they do a cartwheel or somersault.
They were still doing wild acrobatics in the yard, turning somersaults and cartwheels. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: perform, do, carry out, execute More Synonyms of turn
9. verb
When you turn a page of a book or magazine, you move it so that is flat against the previous page,and you can read the next page.
He turned the pages of a file in front of him. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: flick through, thumb, skim, browse More Synonyms of turn
10. verb
If you turn a weapon or an aggressive feeling on someone, you point it at them or direct it at them.
He tried to turn the gun on me. [VERB noun + on]
The crowd than turned their anger on the Prime Minister. [VERB noun + on]
11. verb
If you turn to a particular page in a book or magazine, you open it at that page.
To order, turn to page 236. [VERB + to]
12. verb
If you turn your attention or thoughts to a particular subject or if you turn to it, you start thinking about it or discussing it.
We turned our attention to the practical matters relating to forming a company. [VERB noun + to]
We turn now to the British news. [VERB + to]
13. verb
If you turn to someone, you ask for their help or advice.
For assistance, they turned to one of the city's most innovative museums. [VERB + to]
There was no one to turn to, no one to tell. [VERBto noun]
14. verb
If you turnto a particular activity, job, or way of doing something, you start doing or using it.
These communities are now turning to recycling in large numbers. [V + to/from]
She quickly turned to the practical task of finding the nurse. [Vto/from n/-ing]
Universities are turning from academic to commercial sponsorship. [Vto/from n/-ing]
15. verb
To turn or be turnedinto something means to become that thing.
A prince turns into a frog in this cartoon fairytale. [V + into/to]
Their grief turned to hysteria when the funeral procession arrived at the cemetery. [Vinto/to n]
...an ambitious programme to turn the country into a functioning democracy. [VERB noun + into]
He soon turned his dreams to reality. [V n into/to n]
...an MP turned diplomat. [VERB-ed]
[Also VERB noun + to]
16. link verb
You can use turn before an adjective to indicate that something or someone changes by acquiring thequality described by the adjective.
If the bailiff thinks that things could turn nasty, he will enlist the help of thepolice. [VERB adjective]
She announced that she was going to turn professional. [VERB adjective]
Synonyms: become, get, grow, come to be More Synonyms of turn
17. link verb
If something turns a particular colour or if something turns it a particular colour, it becomes that colour.
The sea would turn pale pink and the sky blood red. [V colour]
Her contact lenses turned her eyes green. [V n colour]
18. link verb
You can use turn to indicate that there is a change to a particular kind of weather. For example,if it turns cold, the weather starts being cold.
If it turns cold, cover plants. [VERB adjective]
The weather had turned warm and thundery overnight. [VERB adjective]
19. countable noun
If a situation or trend takes a particular kind of turn, it changes so that it starts developing in a different or opposite way.
The scandal took a new turn over the weekend.
...the latest turn in the fighting.
Retailers have given up waiting for a turn in the housing market.
[Also + in]
Synonyms: direction, course, tack, swing More Synonyms of turn
20. ergative verb
In sports, if a game turns, or is turned, something significant happens which changes the way the game is developing.
[British, journalism]
The game turned in the 56th minute. [VERB]
With two direct hits and another sharp throw, Richards had turned the game. [VERB noun]
21. verb [no passive]
If a business turns a profit, it earns more money than it spends.
[US, business]
The firm will be able to service debt and still turn a modest profit. [VERB noun]
He says the fares are just too low to turn profits. [VERB noun]
regional note: in BRIT, use make, return
Synonyms: make, produce, generate, yield More Synonyms of turn
22. verb
When someone turns a particular age, they pass that age. When it turns a particular time, it passes that time.
It was his ambition to accumulate a million dollars before he turned thirty. [VERB noun]
It had just turned twelve o'clock. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: reach, become, hit [informal], pass More Synonyms of turn
23. singular noun
Turn is used in expressions such as the turn of the century and the turn of the year to refer to a period of time when one century or year is ending and the next one is beginning.
They fled to South America around the turn of the century. [+ of]
24. verb
When someone turns a wooden or metal object that they are making, they shape it using a special tool.
...the joys of making a living from turning wood. [VERB noun]
...finely-turned metal. [VERB-ed]
Synonyms: shape, form, fashion, cast More Synonyms of turn
25. countable noun [usually with poss, oft NOUN to-infinitive, N -ing]
If it is your turnto do something, you now have the duty, chance, or right to do it, when other peoplehave done it before you or will do it after you.
Tonight it's my turn to cook.
Let each child have a turn at fishing. [+ at]
Students are expected to take their turn leading the study group.
Synonyms: opportunity, go, spell, shot [informal] More Synonyms of turn
26. countable noun
If you say that someone is having a turn, you mean they feel suddenly very unwell for a short period of time.
[British, informal]
He is having one of his turns.
He gets funny turns, you know. It's his age.
27. See also turning
28.
See by turns
29.
See turn of events
30.
See at every turn
31.
See a good turn
32.
See turn sth inside out
33.
See turn sth inside out/turn sth upside down
34.
See in turn
35.
See in turn
36.
See turn of mind
37.
See speak out of turn/talk out of turn
38.
See turn of speed
39.
See take turns/take it in turns
40.
See take a turn for the worse/take a turn for the better
Phrasal verbs:
See turn against
See turn around
See turn away
See turn back
See turn down
See turn in
See turn off
See turn on
See turn out
See turn over
See turn over to
See turn round
See turn up
More Synonyms of turn
turn in British English
(tɜːn)
verb
1.
to move or cause to move around an axis
a wheel turning
to turn a knob
2. (sometimes foll by round)
to change or cause to change positions by moving through an arc of a circle
he turned the chair to face the light
3.
to change or cause to change in course, direction, etc
she turned left at the main road
4.
(of soldiers, ships, etc) to alter the direction of advance by changing directionsimultaneously or (of a commander) to cause the direction of advance to be altered simultaneously
5.
to go or pass to the other side of (a corner, etc)
6.
to assume or cause to assume a rounded, curved, or folded form
the road turns here
7.
to reverse or cause to reverse position
8. (transitive)
to pass round (an enemy or enemy position) so as to attack it from the flank or rear
the Germans turned the Maginot line
9. (transitive)
to perform or do by a rotating movement
to turn a somersault
10. (transitive)
to shape or cut a thread in (a workpiece, esp one of metal, wood, or plastic) by rotating it on a lathe against a fixed cutting tool
11. (whenintr, foll by into or to)
to change or convert or be changed or converted
the alchemists tried to turn base metals into gold
12. (foll by into)
to change or cause to change in nature, character, etc
the frog turned into a prince
13. (copula)
to change so as to become
he turned nasty when he heard the price
14.
to cause (foliage, etc) to change colour or (of foliage, etc) to change colour
frost turned the trees a vivid orange
15.
to cause (milk, etc) to become rancid or sour or (of milk, etc) to become rancid or sour
16.
to change or cause to change in subject, trend, etc
the conversation turned to fishing
17.
to direct or apply or be directed or applied
she turned her attention to the problem
18. (intransitive; usually foll byto)
to appeal or apply (to) for help, advice, etc
she was very frightened and didn't know where to turn
19.
to reach, pass, or progress beyond in age, time, etc
she has just turned twenty
20. (transitive)
to cause or allow to go
to turn an animal loose
21.
to affect or be affected with nausea
the sight of the dead body turned his stomach
22.
to affect or be affected with giddiness
my head is turning
23. (transitive)
to affect the mental or emotional stability of (esp in the phrase turn (someone's) head)
24. (transitive)
to release from a container
she turned the fruit into a basin
25. (transitive)
to render into another language
26. (usually foll byagainst or from)
to transfer or reverse or cause to transfer or reverse (one's loyalties, affections, etc)
27. (transitive)
to cause (an enemy agent) to become a double agent working for one's own side
the bureau turned some of the spies it had caught
28. (transitive)
to bring (soil) from lower layers to the surface
29.
to blunt (an edge) or (of an edge) to become blunted
30. (transitive)
to give a graceful form to
to turn a compliment
31. (transitive)
to reverse (a cuff, collar, etc) in order to hide the outer worn side
32. (intransitive) US
to be merchandised as specified
shirts are turning well this week
33. cricket
to spin (the ball) or (of the ball) to spin
34. turn one's hand to
35. turn tail
36. turn the tables on someone
37. turn the tide
noun
38.
an act or instance of turning or the state of being turned or the material turned
a turn of a rope around a bollard
39.
a movement of complete or partial rotation
40.
a change or reversal of direction or position
41.
direction or drift
his thoughts took a new turn
42.
a deviation or departure from a course or tendency
43.
the place, point, or time at which a deviation or change occurs
44. another word for turning (sense 1)
45.
the right or opportunity to do something in an agreed order or succession
we'll take turns to play
now it's George's turn
you must not play out of turn
46.
a change in nature, condition, etc
the illness took a turn for the worse
47.
a period of action, work, etc
48.
a short walk, ride, or excursion
to take a turn in the park
49.
natural inclination
he is of a speculative turn of mind
a turn for needlework
50.
distinctive form or style
a neat turn of phrase
51.
requirement, need, or advantage
to serve someone's turn
52.
a deed performed that helps or hinders someone
to do an old lady a good turn
53.
a twist, bend, or distortion in shape
54. music
a melodic ornament that makes a turn around a note, beginning with the note above, in a varietyof sequences
55. theatre, mainly British
a short theatrical act, esp in music hall, cabaret, etc
56. stock exchange
a. British
the difference between a market maker's bid and offer prices, representing the market maker's profit
b.
a transaction including both a purchase and a sale
57.
a military manoeuvre in which men or ships alter their direction of advance together
58. Australian slang
a party
59. informal
a shock or surprise
the bad news gave her quite a turn
60. at every turn
61. by turns
62. on the turn
63. out of turn
64. the turn
65. turn and turn about
66. to a turn
Derived forms
turnable (ˈturnable)
adjective
Word origin
Old English tyrnian, from Old French torner, from Latin tornāre to turn in a lathe, from tornus lathe, from Greek tornos dividers
turn in American English
(tɜrn)
verb transitive
1. to cause to revolve or rotate
a.
to make (a wheel, globe, etc.) move about a central point or axis; revolve or rotate
b.
to give circular motion to; move around or partly around
to turn a key
c.
to do by a revolving motion
to turn a somersault
d. Baseball
to execute (a double play)
2. to form by revolving, rotating, etc.
a.
to give circular shape to by rotating against a tool, as in a lathe
b.
to give rounded shape or form to in any way
c.
to give a well-rounded or graceful form to
to turn a pretty phrase
3. to change in position
a.
to change the position of, as by a rotating motion
to turn a chair around
b.
to revolve in the mind: ponder
often with over
c.
a.
to bend, fold, twist, etc.
turn the sheet back
b.
to twist or wrench (one's ankle)
d.
to bend back (a cutting edge); blunt
e.
to reverse the position or sides of; invert
; specif.,
a.
to move so that the undersurface is on top and vice versa
to turn a phonograph record
b.
to spade, plow, etc. so that the undersoil comes to the surface
c.
to reverse (a collar, coat, etc.) so that the inner surface becomes the outer
f.
to cause to become upside down, topsy-turvy, etc.
g.
to upset or unsettle (the stomach)
4. to change the movement or course of
a.
to bend the course of; deflect; divert
to turn a blow
b.
to cause to change intentions, actions, etc. [to turn someone from his purpose]
; specif.,
a.
to convert or persuade
b.
to change in feelings, attitudes, etc.
to turn people against someone
c.
to go around (a corner, an army's flank, etc.)
d.
to reach or pass (a certain age, amount, etc.)
e.
to reverse the course of
; specif.,
a.
to stop or repel
to turn an attack
b.
to cause to recoil, rebound, etc.
criticism turned against the critic
f.
to drive, set, let go, etc. in some way
to turn someone adrift
g.
a.
to keep (money, goods, etc.) circulating or moving
b.
to earn (a profit), as in a commercial transaction
5. to change the direction, trend, etc. of
a.
to change the direction of (one's eyes, face, etc.)
b.
to direct, point, aim, etc.
to turn a gun on someone
c.
to change the trend, focus, etc. of
to turn one's thoughts to practical matters
d.
to put to (a specified) use or result; employ; apply
to turn knowledge to good account, to turn one's hand to writing
6. to change the nature or condition of
a.
to change; convert; transmute
to turn cream into butter, a writer turned actor
b.
to exchange for
to turn produce into hard cash
c.
to subject
to turn another's remarks to ridicule
d.
to translate or paraphrase
e.
to derange, dement, distract, or infatuate
f.
to make sour
g.
to affect in some way
turned sick by the sight
h.
to change the color of
verb intransitive
7. to revolve, rotate, etc.
a.
to move in a circle or around an axis; rotate or revolve; pivot
b.
to move in a circular manner; move around or partly around
the key won't turn
c.
a.
to seem to be whirling or moving, as to one who is dizzy
b.
to reel or be giddy
said of the head
8. to form something by revolving
a.
to run a lathe
b.
to be shaped on a lathe
9. to change position
a.
a.
to move in a rotary manner so as to change position
b.
to shift or twist the body as if on an axis
b.
to become curved or bent
c.
to reverse position so that bottom becomes top; become reversed or inverted
d.
to become upset or unsettled
said of the stomach
10. to change course or movement
a.
to change one's or its course so as to be moving, going, etc. in a different direction;deviate
b.
to reverse one's or its course; start to move, go, etc. in the opposite direction
the tide has turned
c.
to consult; refer (to)
d.
to go or apply (to) for help
11. to change in direction, trend, etc.
a.
to change one's or its direction; face about; shift
b.
to direct or shift one's attention, abilities, thoughts, etc.
to turn from one's work to a hobby
c.
to make a sudden attack (on or upon)
the dog turned on him
d.
to reverse one's feelings, attitude, allegiance, etc.
to turn against former friends
e.
to be contingent or depend (on or upon)
f. Obsolete
to vacillate
12. to become changed in nature or condition
a.
to enter into a specified condition; become
to turn bitter with age
b.
to change into another form, type, or sort
the rain turned to sleet
c.
to become rancid, putrid, sour, etc.
d.
to change color
leaves turning in the fall
noun
13. rotation, circular motion, etc.
a.
the act of turning around; complete or partial rotation, as of a wheel; revolution
b.
a.
a winding of one thing around another
b.
a single twist, coil, winding, etc.; convolution
c.
a.
the condition of being twisted, bent, etc. in a circular form
b.
the direction of this
d.
a musical ornament consisting usually of four tones, the second and fourth of whichare the same, or principal, tone, the first, normally, being a degree above, and thethird a degree below
14. change of movement, direction, etc.
a.
a change of position or posture, as by rotating motion
b.
a change or reversal of course or direction
the turn of the tide
c.
a.
a walk taken about a building, area, etc., as for inspection; tour
b.
a short walk or ride, returning to the starting place, as for exercise
d.
the place where a change in direction occurs; bend; curve
e. Golf
the midway point of a round, usually after the ninth hole
15. change of nature, condition, etc.
a.
a.
a change in trend, circumstances, events, policy, health, etc.
a turn for the better
b.
turning point
b.
the time of a chronological change
at the turn of the century
c.
a sudden, brief shock or fright; start
16. an occasional or repeated action, performance, etc.
a.
an action that harms or, more usually, benefits another
to do someone a good turn
b.
a bout; spell; try
a turn at gardening
c.
an attack of illness, dizziness, rage, etc.; fit
d.
the right, duty, or opportunity to do something, esp. as coming to each of a numberof people in regular order
one's turn at bat
e. British
a shift of work
f.
a.
a short performance given as part of a variety show; act
b.
its performer or performers
g. US, Finance
a transaction on the stock exchange involving both purchase and sale of particularsecurities
17. trend, form, style, character, etc.
a.
a distinctive form, manner, cast, detail, etc.
a quaint turn to her speech
b.
natural inclination or aptitude; flair
an inquisitive turn of mind
c.
a tendency; drift; trend
the discussion took a new turn
d.
a variation or interpretation of the original
to give an old story a new turn
SIMILAR WORDS: curve
Idioms:
at every turn
by turns
call the turn
in turn
out of turn
take turns
to a turn
turn and turn about
turn around
turn down
turn in
turn off
turn on
turn out
turn over
turn the scales
turn to
turn up
Word origin
ME turnen < OE turnian & OFr turner, tourner, both < L tornare, to turn in a lathe, turn < tornus, lathe < Gr tornos, lathe, carpenter's compasses, akin to terein, to bore through: for IE base see throw
More idioms containing
turn
turn up the heat on someone
turn heads
turn something on its head
turn your hand to something
not turn a hair
turn in your grave
turn over a new leaf
turn a blind eye to something
turn a deaf ear to something
turn on a dime
turn the corner
wish you could turn back the clock
turn the other cheek
turn your back on something
turn your back on someone
turn up your nose at something
turn the page
turn up like a bad penny
turn the screw on someone
turn the tables on someone
turn tail
turn up your toes
at every turn
turn turtle
Examples of 'turn' in a sentence
turn
We must redouble efforts to ensure nobody who needs help is turned away.
The Sun (2016)
Turn one sponge upside down so the flat surface is facing upwards.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
It is now all change again as the weather turns wet and windy.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Tell him that it is his turn to plan something specific next time.
The Sun (2016)
Then suddenly she turned cold on him.
The Sun (2016)
And opportunities linked to sport can turn a group of friends into a team of winners.
The Sun (2016)
To his surprise the young woman turned up the next year.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The aides eat subsidised bacon sandwiches and take turns to drawl politely to concerned constituents.
The Sun (2016)
There was a terrible crash, the boat leaned over and turned to the right.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
It's all about the hope that lies ahead as the year turns.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The radiator thermostat got turned right down.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
The experience was salutary and may have helped to turn him towards extremism.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
The problem mainly affects my shins and is always worse when the weather turns cold.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
What looked like a terrible season has turned into something rather good.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Their two year plan gradually turned into five and still the end was not in sight.
Carpenter, Anne & Johnson, Geoffrey Why am I Afraid to Grieve (1994)
Then we got engaged and she turned cold.
The Sun (2014)
My face turned pale as deadly pale.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
The eyes of the albino rats turned from pink to a deep navy.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
The following month they discovered his funny turns were in fact seizures.
The Sun (2014)
What will it take to turn the group into a true team?
Christianity Today (2000)
They ended up in the university neighborhood when the sky turned gray.
Bachmann, Susan (editor) & Barth, Melinda Between Worlds: A Reader, Rhetoric and Handbook (1995)
The next day failure turned into tragedy.
The Times Literary Supplement (2008)
Walking and running with ankles turned in can cause strain to the low back.
Andrews, Elizabeth Muscle Management (1991)
These will soon be turning bright red.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
There is a telling delay between turning the wheel and the boat beginning to change direction.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
They were twisting and turning in all directions.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Being the dean of a cathedral at the turn of the century had become an increasingly demanding job.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
He was wobbling with the chasing pack breathing down his neck as he reached the turn only one shot ahead.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
If you turn and brake, then all that weight wants to go in the opposite direction to where you are steering.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Quotations
One good turn deserves another
A bad penny always turns up
In other languages
turn
British English: turn /tɜːn/ NOUN
A turn is a change of direction.
You can't do a right-hand turn here.
American English: turn
Arabic: دَوْرَة
Brazilian Portuguese: giro
Chinese: 转弯
Croatian: okret
Czech: odbočení
Danish: sving
Dutch: afslag
European Spanish: giro circunvolución
Finnish: käännös fyysinen
French: tour jeu
German: Drehung
Greek: στροφή
Italian: turno
Japanese: 逸れること
Korean: 회전
Norwegian: sving
Polish: obrót
European Portuguese: volta
Romanian: întoarcere
Russian: поворот
Latin American Spanish: vuelta giro
Swedish: sväng
Thai: การเลี้ยว
Turkish: dönme
Ukrainian: поворот
Vietnamese: sự quay
British English: turn /tɜːn/ VERB
move in a different direction When you turn, you move in a different direction.
He turned and walked away.
He turned his head left and right.
American English: turn
Arabic: يَدْوُرُ
Brazilian Portuguese: virar
Chinese: 转弯
Croatian: okrenuti
Czech: zahnout odbočit
Danish: dreje
Dutch: draaien omdraaien
European Spanish: girar
Finnish: kääntyä
French: tourner
German: drehen (sich)
Greek: στρίβω
Italian: girare
Japanese: 向きを変える
Korean: 회전하다
Norwegian: svinge
Polish: skręcić
European Portuguese: virar
Romanian: a se întoarce
Russian: поворачивать
Latin American Spanish: girar
Swedish: svänga
Thai: เลี้ยว
Turkish: dönmek
Ukrainian: повертати
Vietnamese: quay đi
British English: turn /tɜːn/ VERB
move round in a circle When something turns, it moves around in a circle.
The wheels turned slowly.
I quietly turned the handle.
American English: turn
Arabic: يَدورُ
Brazilian Portuguese: girar
Chinese: 转
Croatian: okretati se
Czech: otáčet se
Danish: dreje
Dutch: draaien
European Spanish: girar
Finnish: pyöriä
French: tourner
German: sich drehen
Greek: στρέφω
Italian: girare
Japanese: 回転する
Korean: 돌다
Norwegian: snurre
Polish: obracać
European Portuguese: girar
Romanian: a (se) învârti
Russian: крутиться
Latin American Spanish: girar
Swedish: snurra
Thai: หมุน
Turkish: dönmek
Ukrainian: обертатися
Vietnamese: xoay
British English: turn /tɜːn/ VERB
change If one thing turns into another thing, it becomes that thing.
The tadpole turned into a frog.
American English: turn
Arabic: يُصْبِحُ
Brazilian Portuguese: transformar
Chinese: 变成
Croatian: pretvoriti se
Czech: proměnit se
Danish: blev til
Dutch: worden
European Spanish: convertirse en
Finnish: muuttua
French: devenir
German: werden zu
Greek: μετατρέπομαι
Italian: trasformarsi
Japanese: ･･･になる
Korean: 변하다
Norwegian: skifte
Polish: przeobrazić się
European Portuguese: transformar-se em
Romanian: a se transforma
Russian: превратиться
Latin American Spanish: convertirse
Swedish: bli
Thai: กลายเป็น
Turkish: dönüşmek
Ukrainian: перетворюватися
Vietnamese: trở thành
All related terms of 'turn'
turnoff
the act of turning off
U-turn
If you make a U-turn when you are driving or cycling , you turn in a half circle in one movement , so that you are then going in the opposite direction.
in turn
You use in turn to refer to actions or events that are in a sequence one after the other, for example because one causes the other.
turn in
When you turn in , you go to bed.
turn on
When you turn on a piece of equipment or a supply of something, you cause heat , sound, or water to be produced by adjusting the controls.
turn to
to set about a task
turn up
If you say that someone or something turns up , you mean that they arrive, often unexpectedly or after you have been waiting a long time.
good turn
a helpful and friendly act; good deed ; favour
hook turn
a right turn made from the left-hand lane of a dual carriageway
kick turn
a standing turn performed by swivelling each ski separately through 180°
star turn
The star turn of a performance or show is the main item , or the one that is considered to be the most interesting or exciting.
stem turn
a turn in which the heel of one ski is stemmed and the other ski is brought parallel
the turn
the fourth community card to be dealt face-up in a round of Texas hold ’ em
turn away
If you turn someone away , you do not allow them to enter your country, home , or other place.
turn back
If you turn back or if someone turns you back when you are going somewhere , you change direction and go towards where you started from.
turn down
If you turn down a person or their request or offer , you refuse their request or offer.
turn off
If you turn off the road or path you are going along, you start going along a different road or path which leads away from it.
turn out
If something turns out a particular way, it happens in that way or has the result or degree of success indicated .
turn over
If you turn something over , or if it turns over , it is moved so that the top part is now facing downwards .
turn tail
If you turn tail , you turn and run away.
about turn
An about-turn is the same as an → about-face .
ampere-turn
a unit of magnetomotive force ; the magnetomotive force produced by a current of 1 ampere passing through one complete turn of a coil . 1 ampere-turn is equivalent to 4π/10 or 1.257 gilberts
round turn
one complete turn , as of a rope , around something
to a turn
to the proper amount; perfectly
turn around
If you turn something around , or if it turns around , it is moved so that it faces the opposite direction .
turn bridge
a low bridge that can be rotated about a vertical axis , esp to permit the passage of ships
turn heads
to be so beautiful, unusual, or impressive that people are attracted to you and cannot help looking at you or paying attention to you
turn round
turn signal
A car's turn signals are the flashing lights that tell you it is going to turn left or right .
turn turtle
If a boat turns turtle , it turns upside down when it is in the water.
Buggins' turn
the principle of awarding an appointment to members of a group in turn, rather than according to merit
counter-turn
(in figure skating ) a one-foot turn
lodging turn
a period of work or duty , esp among railway workers , which involves sleeping away from home
parallel turn
a turn, executed by shifting one's weight , in which the skis stay parallel
quarter turn
a turn of 90°
reverse turn
a manoeuvre which makes a vehicle move backwards and to the left or right
skating turn
a turn made by someone on roller or ice skates
turn against
If you turn against someone or something, or if you are turned against them, you stop supporting them, trusting them, or liking them.
variety turn
an act in a variety show
a good turn
If you do someone a good turn , you do something that helps or benefits them.
handbrake turn
a turn sharply reversing the direction of a vehicle by speedily applying the handbrake while turning the steering wheel
Immelmann turn
an aircraft manoeuvre used to gain height while reversing the direction of flight . It consists of a half loop followed by a half roll
on the turn
at the point of change
out of turn
not in the correct or agreed order of succession
turn a trick
(of a prostitute ) to gain a customer
turn of mind
If someone is of a particular turn of mind , they have that kind of mind or character.
turn over to
If you turn something over to a different function or use, you change its function or use.
a hand's turn
a small amount of work
at every turn
If you say that something happens at every turn , you are emphasizing that it happens frequently or all the time, usually so that it prevents you from achieving what you want .
call the turn
to predict successfully
Chinese translation of 'turn'
turn
(təːn)
n(c)
(= change) 转(轉)变(變) (zhuǎnbiàn) (次, cì)
⇒ every twist and turn in government policy政府政策的每一次扭转 (zhèngfǔ zhèngcè de měi yī cì niǔzhuǎn)
(in road) 转(轉)弯(彎) (zhuǎnwān) (个(個), gè)
(= performance) 表演 (biǎoyǎn) (次, cì)
⇒ a comedy turn喜剧表演 (xǐjù biǎoyǎn)
(in game, queue, series) 机(機)会(會) (jīhuì) (个(個), gè)
⇒ He stood in the queue waiting his turn.他排队等着轮到他。 (Tā páiduì děngzhe lúndào tā.)
(Brit, inf, Med) 发(發)病 (fābìng)
⇒ Mrs Reilly is having one of her turns.瑞利夫人的病发作了。 (Ruìlì fūrén de bìng fāzuò le.)
vt
[part of body]转(轉)动(動) (zhuàndòng)
⇒ He turned his head left and right.他把头左右转动。 (Tā bǎ tóu zuǒyòu zhuǎndòng.)
[object]调(調)转(轉) (diàozhuǎn)
⇒ She turned the bedside chair to face the door.她把床边的椅子转向门口。 (Tā bǎ chuáng biān de yǐzi zhuǎnxiàng ménkǒu.)
[handle, key]转(轉)动(動) (zhuǎndòng)
[page]翻 (fān)
(= shape)[wood, metal]打制(製) (dǎzhì)
vi
(= rotate)[object, wheel]旋转(轉) (xuánzhuǎn)
⇒ The cog wheels started to turn.齿轮开始旋转。 (Chǐlún kāishǐ xuánzhuǎn.)
(= change direction)[person]转(轉)身 (zhuǎnshēn)
⇒ He turned abruptly and walked away.他突然转身走开了。 (Tā tūrán zhuǎnshēn zǒukāi le.)
[vehicle]转(轉)向 (zhuǎnxiàng)
⇒ You come over a bridge and turn sharply to the right.你走到桥边然后照直向右转。 (Nǐ zǒudào qiáo biān ránhòu zhàozhí xiàng yòu zhuǎn.)
(= become sour)[milk]变(變)质(質) (biànzhì)
to take a turn for the worse[situations, events]恶(惡)化 (èhuà)
"no left turn""禁止左转(轉)" ("jìnzhǐ zuǒ zhuǎn")
it's my turn to ... 轮(輪)到我做 ... (lúndào wǒ zuò ... )
to take turns or to take it in turns (to do sth)轮(輪)流做(某事) (lúnliú zuò (mǒushì))
in turn (= one after the other) 轮(輪)流 (lúnliú) (= then, afterwards) 依次 (yīcì)
turn of events事态(態)变(變)迁(遷) (shìtài biànqiān)
it gave me quite a turn (inf) 吓(嚇)了我一跳 (xiàle wǒ yī tiào)
at the turn of the century/year在世纪(紀)/新年之交 (zài shìjì/xīnnián zhī jiāo)
to do sb a good turn帮某人大忙 (bāng mǒurén dà máng)
to turn forty满(滿)40岁(歲) (mǎn sìshí suì)
to turn grey[person, hair]变(變)灰白 (biàn huībái)
to turn green/blue etc变(變)绿(綠)/蓝(藍)等 (biàn lǜ/lán děng)
to turn nasty变(變)糟 (biàn zāo)
All related terms of 'turn'
in turn
( one after the other ) 轮(輪)流 lúnliú
turn in
( inf : go to bed ) 睡觉(覺) shuìjiào
turn on
( light, radio, tap ) 打开(開) dǎkāi
turn to
( page ) 翻到 fāndào
turn up
( arrive : person ) 露面 lòumiàn
turn-up
( Brit : on trousers ) 卷(捲)边(邊) juǎnbiān [ 美 = cuff ]
U-turn
( when driving ) U形转(轉)弯(彎) U xíng zhuǎnwān
turn off
( from road ) 拐弯(彎) guǎiwān
turn out
( light, gas ) 关(關)掉 guāndiào
turn away
放弃(棄) fàngqì
turn back
往回走 wǎnghuí zǒu
turn down
( request, offer ) 拒绝(絕) jùjué
turn into
变(變)成 biànchéng ⇒ The water turns into steam. → 水变成了蒸汽。 Shuǐ biànchéngle zhēngqì.
turn over
( person ) 翻身 fānshēn
turn around
= turn round
turn round
( person, vehicle ) 调(調)转(轉) diàozhuǎn
turn signal
指示器 zhǐshìqì [ 个(個) gè ] [ 英 = indicator ]
turn against
转(轉)而反对(對) zhuǎn ér fǎnduì
to turn forty
满(滿)40岁(歲) mǎn sìshí suì
to turn grey
( person, hair ) 变(變)灰白 biàn huībái
to turn nasty
变(變)糟 biàn zāo
"no left turn"
"禁止左转(轉)" "jìnzhǐ zuǒ zhuǎn"
turn of events
事态(態)变(變)迁(遷) shìtài biànqiān
turn of phrase
措辞(辭) cuòcí
turn sharp left
向左急转(轉)弯(彎) xiàng zuǒ jízhuǎnwān
to do a U-turn
( in vehicle ) 180度掉头(頭) yībǎibāshí dù diàotóu
to toss and turn
( in bed ) 辗(輾)转(轉)反侧(側) zhǎnzhuǎn fǎn cè
it's my turn to ...
轮(輪)到我做 ... lúndào wǒ zuò ...
to fall/turn over
跌倒/打翻 diēdǎo/dǎfān
to go or turn sour
( milk, wine ) 变(變)馊(餿) biàn sōu
to turn out to be
( prove to be ) 原来(來)是 yuánlái shì
to turn the corner
( fig ) 渡过(過)难(難)关(關) dùguò nánguān
to turn sth over to
( change function of ) 把某物改变(變)成 bǎ mǒuwù gǎibiàn chéng
he didn't turn a hair
泰然处(處)之 tàirán chǔzhī
to do sb a good turn
帮某人大忙 bāng mǒurén dà máng
to turn green/blue etc
变(變)绿(綠)/蓝(藍) 等 biàn lǜ/lán děng
to turn on one's heel
急转(轉)身 jí zhuǎnshēn
to turn out well/badly
结(結)果很好/很糟 jiéguǒ hěn hǎo/hěn zāo
to turn sth inside out
( lit ) 把某物的里(裡)面翻到外面 bǎ mǒuwù de lǐmiàn fāndào wàimiàn
turn the ignition on/off
开(開)/关(關)点(點)火装(裝)置 kāi/guān diǎnhuǒ zhuāngzhì
it gave me quite a turn
( inf ) 吓(嚇)了我一跳 xiàle wǒ yī tiào
to turn over a new leaf
翻开(開)新的篇章 fānkāi xīn de piānzhāng
to turn the tables on sb
转(轉)而占(佔)了某人的上风(風) zhuǎn ér zhànle mǒurén de shàngfēng
at the turn of the century/year
在世纪(紀)/新年之交 zài shìjì/xīnnián zhī jiāo
that's a turn-up for the books!
( inf ) 真是意想不到的事! zhēnshi yìxiǎng bù dào de shì!
to grow or turn or go pale
变(變)得苍(蒼)白 biàn de cāngbái
to take a turn for the worse
( situations, events ) 恶(惡)化 èhuà
to turn a deaf ear to sth
对(對)某事充耳不闻(聞) duì mǒushì chōng ěr bù wén
to turn a place upside down
把某地方翻得乱(亂)七八糟 bǎ mǒu dìfang fān de luàn qī bā zāo
to turn one's back on sb/sth
( fig ) 不理睬某人/某事 bù lǐcǎi mǒurén/mǒushì
1 (verb)
Definition
to move to face in another direction
He turned abruptly and walked away.
Synonyms
change course
swing round
wheel round
veer
small potholes which tend to make the car veer to one side or the other
move
She waited for him to get up, but he didn't move.
return
go back
switch
I'm switching to a new gas supplier.
shift
The entire pile shifted and slid, thumping onto the floor.
reverse
He reversed the position of the two stamps.
swerve
Drivers swerved to avoid the debris.
change position
2 (verb)
Definition
to rotate or move round
As the wheel turned, the potter shaped the clay.
Synonyms
rotate
The earth rotates round the sun.
spin
The Earth spins on its own axis.
go round (and round)
revolve
The entire circle revolved slowly.
roll
The car went off the road and rolled over into a ditch.
circle
There were two helicopters circling around.
wheel
I wheeled around to face her.
twist
Hold your arms straight out and twist to the right and left.
spiral
Smoke spiralled from a joss stick.
whirl
Hearing a sound behind her, she whirled round.
swivel
He swivelled round to face Sarah.
pivot
The boat pivoted on its central axis.
twirl
Several hundred people twirl around the dance floor.
gyrate
The aeroplane was gyrating about in the sky in a most alarming fashion.
go round in circles
move in a circle
3 (verb)
The taxi turned the corner of the lane and stopped.
Synonyms
go round
come round
negotiate
I negotiated the corner on my motorbike.
pass
corner
pass around
take a bend
4 (verb)
Definition
(of a road, river, etc.) to have a bend or curve in it
the corner where our street turns into the main road
Synonyms
bend
Bend the bar into a horseshoe.
curve
The track curved away below him.
meander
The river meandered in lazy curves.
wind
The Moselle winds through some 160 miles of tranquil countryside.
twist
The road twists and turns between pleasant little cottages.
snake
The road snaked through the forested mountains.
loop
He looped the rope over the wood.
zigzag
5 (verb)
Definition
to perform or do (something) with a rotating movement
They were turning somersaults and cartwheels in the courtyard.
Synonyms
perform
people who have performed outstanding acts of bravery
do
I was trying to do some work.
carry out
execute
The landing was skilfully executed.
6 (verb)
Definition
to look at the other side of
He turned the pages of a file in front of him.
Synonyms
flick through
thumb
skim
browse
There are plenty of biographies for him to browse.
flip through
7 (verb)
Definition
to change so as to become
She turned the house into a beautiful home.
Synonyms
change
We are trying to detect and understand how the climate changes.
transform
the speed at which your body transforms food into energy
fashion
shape
convert
a handy table which converts into an ironing board
alter
They have never altered their programmes.
adapt
Shelves were built to adapt the library for use as an office.
mould
remodel
form
mutate
Overnight, the gossip begins to mutate into headlines.
refit
metamorphose
She had been metamorphosed by the war.
transmute
She ceased to think as anger transmuted into passion.
transfigure
They are transfigured by the healing powers of art.
8 (verb)
Definition
to change so as to become
The police think that things could turn nasty.
Synonyms
become
After leaving school, he became a professional footballer.
get
The boys were getting bored.
grow
He's growing old.
come to be
go
You'd better serve it up before it goes cold.
9 (verb)
The firm will still be able to turn a modest profit.
Synonyms
make
The crash made a noise like a building coming down.
produce
The company produces circuitry for communications systems.
generate
The minister said the reforms would generate new jobs.
yield
400,000 acres of land yielded a crop worth $1.75 billion.
10 (verb)
Definition
to reach, pass, or progress beyond in age, time, etc.
He aimed to accumulate a million dollars before he turned thirty.
Synonyms
reach
He did not stop until he reached the door.
become
hit (informal)
Oil prices hit record levels yesterday.
pass
Their team passed the ball better than ours did.
get to
11 (verb)
Definition
to shape (wood, metal, etc.) on a lathe
finely-turned metal
Synonyms
shape
Cut the dough in half and shape each half into a loaf.
form
The bowl was formed out of clay.
fashion
The desk was fashioned out of oak.
cast
This statue of Neptune is cast in bronze.
frame
construct
The boxes should be constructed from rough-sawn timber.
execute
mould
We moulded a statue out of mud.
make
They now make cars at two plants in Europe.
12 (verb)
Definition
to affect or be affected with nausea or giddiness
The true facts will turn your stomach.
Synonyms
sicken
What he saw there sickened him, despite years of police work.
upset
nauseate
The smell of frying nauseated her.
13 (verb)
I had to come off because I turned my ankle in the first half.
Synonyms
sprain
He fell and sprained his ankle.
hurt
Did they hurt you?
injure
A bomb exploded, seriously injuring five people.
strain
He strained his back during a practice session.
twist
He fell and twisted his ankle.
rick
wrench
He had wrenched his ankle badly in the fall.
14 (verb)
Definition
to make or become sour
milk starting to turn in the refrigerator
Synonyms
go bad
go off (British, informal)
Don't eat that! It's gone off!
curdle
go sour
become rancid
15 (verb)
Definition
to make or become sour
The yoghurt was left out overnight and it turned.
Synonyms
make rancid
spoil
Fats spoil by becoming tainted.
sour
taint
Rancid oil will taint the flavour.
16 (verb)
Synonyms
change sides
desert
He deserted from the army last month.
go over
defect
She insisted that customers who had defected to cheaper coffee shops would return eventually.
retract
renege
change your mind
apostatize
17 (verb)
Synonyms
persuade
My husband persuaded me to come.
influence
The conference influenced us to launch the campaign.
prejudice
I think your upbringing has prejudiced you.
talk into
prevail upon
bring round (informal)
divert
1 (noun)
The rear sprocket will turn only twice for one turn of the pedals.
Synonyms
rotation
the daily rotation of the earth upon its axis
turning
cycle
the business cycle of recession and rebound
circle
revolution
The gear drives a wheel 1/10th revolution per cycle.
spin
a spin of the roulette wheel
twist
reversal
whirl
the whirl of snowflakes in the wind
swivel
a slight swivel of the hips
pivot
gyration
He continued his enthusiastic gyrations on stage.
2 (noun)
Definition
a change of direction or position
You can't do a right-hand turn here.
Synonyms
change of direction
bend
curve
a curve in the road
change of course
shift
departure
This album is a considerable departure from her previous work.
deviation
a clear example of deviation from the norm
3 (noun)
There was a hairpin turn in the road.
Synonyms
bend
The crash occurred on a sharp bend.
corner
He waited until the man had turned the corner.
twist
the twists and turns of the existing track
zigzag
dog-leg
4 (noun)
Definition
the journey to the turn on the A4
Synonyms
junction
Follow the road to a junction and turn left.
turning
Take the next turning on the right.
crossroads
turnoff
5 (noun)
Definition
a change in something that is happening or being done
The scandal took a new turn today.
Synonyms
direction
They threatened a mass walk-out if the party did not change direction.
course
For nearly four hours we maintained our course northwards.
tack
In desperation I changed tack.
swing
tendency
the government's tendency towards secrecy in recent years
drift
She was beginning to get his drift.
bias
6 (noun)
Definition
the right or opportunity to do something in an agreed order or succession
Let each child have a turn at fishing.
Synonyms
opportunity
I was given an opportunity to bathe and shower.
I had the opportunity to go abroad and study.
go
Whose go is it next?
spell
There has been a spell of dry weather.
shot (informal)
He will be given a shot at the world title.
time
For a long time I didn't tell anyone.
try
I didn't really expect anything, but it was worth a try.
round
in the third round of the cup
chance
All eligible people will get a chance to vote.
period
a period of a few months
shift
His father worked shifts in a steel mill.
crack (informal)
I'd love to have a crack at the title next year.
succession
fling
the England bowler's chance of a fling at South Africa in the second Test today
stint
a five-year stint in Hong Kong
whack (informal)
Let me have a whack at trying to fix the car.
7 (noun)
Definition
a short walk, ride, or excursion
I think I'll just go up and take a turn round the deck.
Synonyms
stroll
After dinner, I took a stroll around the city.
airing
walk
He often took long walks in the hills.
drive
We might go for a drive on Sunday.
ride
Would you like to go for a ride?
spin (informal)
Think twice about going for a spin by the light of the silvery moon.
circuit
constitutional
I met him as he was taking his daily constitutional.
outing
families on a Sunday afternoon outing
excursion
We also recommend a full day excursion to the Upper Douro.
promenade
Take a tranquil promenade along a stretch of picturesque coastline.
jaunt
I decided to take a jaunt down to Long Beach.
saunter
She began a slow saunter towards the bonfire.
8 (noun)
Definition
a deed that helps or hinders someone
He did you a good turn by resigning.
Synonyms
deed
His heroic deeds were celebrated in every corner of the country.
service
act
My insurance covers acts of sabotage.
action
He was the sort of person who didn't like his actions questioned.
favour
I've come to ask for a favour.
gesture
She made a menacing gesture with her fist.
9 (noun)
Definition
a shock or surprise
(informal)
It gave me quite a turn.
Synonyms
shock
It gave me quite a shock to see his face on the screen.
start
surprise
It is perhaps no surprise to see her attempting a comeback.
scare
We got a bit of a scare.
jolt
The business needed such a jolt
fright
The snake gave everyone a fright.
10 (noun)
Definition
natural inclination
She has a turn for gymnastic exercises.
Synonyms
inclination
She set out to follow her artistic inclinations.
talent
Both her children have a talent for music.
gift
As a youth he discovered a gift for teaching.
leaning
I always had a leaning towards sport.
bent
a bent for natural history
bias
There were fierce attacks on the BBC for alleged political bias.
flair
She has a flair for languages.
affinity
There is a natural affinity between the two.
knack
He's got the knack of getting people to listen.
propensity
She hadn't reckoned on his propensity for violence.
aptitude
He discovered an aptitude for working in accounts.
11 (noun)
Definition
a short theatrical act
the most brilliant comic turn in television history
Synonyms
act
Numerous bands are playing, as well as comedy acts.
show
How about going to see a show in London?
performance
She made a big performance of cooking the dinner.
piece
routine (informal)
like a Marx Brothers routine
number
12 (noun)
Definition
a twist, bend, or distortion in shape
Synonyms
twist
A twist of the ankle denied him a place on the substitutes' bench.
bend
warp
small warps in the planking
distortion
I recognised her by the distortion of her face.
13 (noun)
Definition
distinctive form or style
Synonyms
style
Our children's different learning styles created many problems.
way
He had a strange way of talking.
form
He contracted a rare form of cancer.
fashion
We must go about this in an organized fashion.
shape
The glass bottle is the shape of a woman's torso.
make-up
the chemical make-up of the atmosphere
cast
Hers was an essentially optimistic cast of mind.
manner
The manner in which young children are spoken to depends on who is present.
format
They met to discuss the format of future negotiations.
mode
the capitalist mode of production
mould
At first sight, he is not cast in the leading man mould.
guise
He claimed the Devil had appeared to him in the guise of a goat.
idioms
See at every turn
See by turns
phrase
See in turn
See take a turn for the better
See take a turn for the worse
See to a turn
Phrasal verbs
See turn against someone
See turn back
See turn in
See turn of events
See turn of mind
See turn of phrase
See turn off
See turn on someone
See turn on something
See turn out
See turn over
See turn someone against something or someone
See turn someone away
See turn someone in
See turn someone off
See turn someone on
See turn someone on to something
See turn someone out
See turn something down
See turn something in
See turn something off
See turn something on
See turn something on someone
See turn something out
See turn something over
See turn something up
See turn something or someone back
See turn to someone
See turn to something
See turn up
proverbs
One good turn deserves anotherA bad penny always turns up
Additional synonyms
in the sense of action
Definition
doing something for a particular purpose
He was the sort of person who didn't like his actions questioned.
Synonyms
deed,
move,
act,
performance,
blow,
exercise,
achievement,
stroke,
undertaking,
exploit,
feat,
accomplishment,
exertion
in the sense of adapt
Definition
to change something to suit a new purpose
Shelves were built to adapt the library for use as an office.
Synonyms
convert,
change,
prepare,
fit,
fashion,
make,
shape,
suit,
qualify,
transform,
alter,
modify,
tailor,
remodel,
tweak (informal),
metamorphose,
customize
in the sense of affinity
Definition
a feeling of closeness to and understanding of a person
There is a natural affinity between the two.
Synonyms
attraction,
liking,
leaning,
sympathy,
inclination,
rapport,
fondness,
partiality,
aroha (New Zealand)
Synonyms of 'turn'
turn
Explore 'turn' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of alter
Definition
to make or become different
They have never altered their programmes.
Synonyms
modify,
change,
reform,
shift,
vary,
transform,
adjust,
adapt,
revise,
amend,
diversify,
remodel,
tweak (informal),
recast,
reshape,
metamorphose,
transmute
in the sense of apostatize
Synonyms
desert,
defect,
renege,
backslide,
turn traitor
in the sense of aptitude
Definition
natural tendency or ability
He discovered an aptitude for working in accounts.
Synonyms
gift,
ability,
talent,
capacity,
intelligence,
leaning,
bent,
tendency,
faculty,
capability,
flair,
inclination,
disposition,
knack,
propensity,
proficiency,
predilection,
cleverness,
proclivity (formal),
quickness,
giftedness,
proneness,
aptness
in the sense of bent
Definition
personal inclination or aptitude
a bent for natural history
Synonyms
inclination,
ability,
taste,
facility,
talent,
leaning,
tendency,
preference,
faculty,
forte,
flair,
knack,
penchant,
bag (slang),
propensity,
aptitude,
predisposition,
predilection,
proclivity (formal),
turn of mind
in the sense of bias
Definition
mental tendency, esp. prejudice
There were fierce attacks on the BBC for alleged political bias.
Synonyms
prejudice,
leaning,
bent,
tendency,
inclination,
penchant,
intolerance,
bigotry,
propensity,
favouritism,
predisposition,
nepotism,
unfairness,
predilection,
proclivity (formal),
partiality,
narrow-mindedness,
proneness,
one-sidedness
in the sense of browse
Definition
to look through (a book or articles for sale) in a casual leisurely manner
There are plenty of biographies for him to browse.
Synonyms
skim,
scan,
glance at,
survey,
look through,
look round,
dip into,
leaf through,
peruse,
flip through,
examine cursorily
in the sense of cast
Definition
to make (an object) by such a process
This statue of Neptune is cast in bronze.
Synonyms
mould,
set,
found,
form,
model,
shape
in the sense of cast
Definition
a sort, kind, or style
Hers was an essentially optimistic cast of mind.
Synonyms
type,
turn,
sort,
kind,
style,
stamp
in the sense of chance
Definition
an opportunity or occasion to do something
All eligible people will get a chance to vote.
Synonyms
opportunity,
opening,
occasion,
time,
scope,
window
in the sense of circle
Definition
to move in a circle (around)
There were two helicopters circling around.
Synonyms
wheel,
spiral,
revolve,
rotate,
whirl,
pivot
Additional synonyms
in the sense of constitutional
Definition
a regular walk taken for the good of one's health
I met him as he was taking his daily constitutional.
Synonyms
walk,
stroll,
turn,
airing
in the sense of construct
Definition
to build or put together
The boxes should be constructed from rough-sawn timber.
Synonyms
build,
make,
form,
create,
design,
raise,
establish,
set up,
fashion,
shape,
engineer,
frame,
manufacture,
put up,
assemble,
put together,
erect,
fabricate
in the sense of convert
Definition
to change or adapt
a handy table which converts into an ironing board
Synonyms
change,
turn,
transform,
alter,
metamorphose,
transpose,
transmute,
transmogrify (humorous)
in the sense of corner
Definition
a sharp bend in a road
He waited until the man had turned the corner.
Synonyms
bend,
curve
in the sense of course
Definition
the path or channel along which a river moves
For nearly four hours we maintained our course northwards.
Synonyms
route,
way,
line,
road,
track,
channel,
direction,
path,
passage,
trail,
orbit,
tack,
trajectory
in the sense of crack
Definition
an attempt
I'd love to have a crack at the title next year.
Synonyms
attempt,
go (informal),
try,
shot (informal),
opportunity,
stab (informal)
in the sense of curve
Definition
to form into or move in a curve
The track curved away below him.
Synonyms
bend,
turn,
wind,
twist,
bow,
arch,
snake,
arc,
coil,
swerve
in the sense of curve
Definition
a continuously bending line with no straight parts
a curve in the road
Synonyms
bend,
turn,
loop,
arc,
curvature,
camber
in the sense of cycle
Definition
a complete series of recurring events
the business cycle of recession and rebound
Synonyms
series of events,
round,
circle,
revolution,
rotation
in the sense of defect
Definition
to desert one's country or cause to join the opposing forces
She insisted that customers who had defected to cheaper coffee shops would return eventually.
Synonyms
desert,
rebel,
quit,
revolt,
change sides,
apostatize,
tergiversate
Additional synonyms
in the sense of departure
Definition
a divergence from previous custom, rule, etc.
This album is a considerable departure from her previous work.
Synonyms
shift,
change,
difference,
variation,
innovation,
novelty,
veering,
deviation,
branching out,
divergence,
digression
in the sense of desert
Definition
to leave (a post or duty) with no intention of returning
He deserted from the army last month.
Synonyms
abscond,
flee,
defect,
decamp,
go AWOL (informal),
go absent without leave,
go over the hill (slang),
take French leave
in the sense of deviation
a clear example of deviation from the norm
Synonyms
departure,
change,
variation,
shift,
alteration,
discrepancy,
inconsistency,
disparity,
aberration,
variance,
divergence,
fluctuation,
irregularity,
digression
in the sense of distortion
I recognised her by the distortion of her face.
Synonyms
deformity,
bend,
twist,
warp,
buckle,
contortion,
malformation,
crookedness,
twistedness
in the sense of do
Definition
to improve
I was trying to do some work.
Synonyms
perform,
work,
achieve,
carry out,
produce,
effect,
complete,
conclude,
undertake,
accomplish,
execute,
discharge,
pull off,
transact
in the sense of drift
Definition
the main point of an argument or speech
She was beginning to get his drift.
Synonyms
meaning,
point,
gist,
aim,
direction,
object,
import,
intention,
implication,
tendency,
significance,
thrust,
tenor,
purport
in the sense of drive
Definition
a journey in a driven vehicle
We might go for a drive on Sunday.
Synonyms
run,
ride,
trip,
journey,
spin (informal),
hurl (Scottish),
outing,
excursion,
jaunt
in the sense of excursion
Definition
a short outward and return journey, esp. for sightseeing, etc.
We also recommend a full day excursion to the Upper Douro.
Synonyms
trip,
airing,
tour,
journey,
outing,
expedition,
ramble,
day trip,
jaunt,
awayday,
pleasure trip
in the sense of execute
Definition
to carry out or accomplish
The landing was skilfully executed.
Synonyms
perform,
do,
carry out,
accomplish
in the sense of fashion
Definition
to form, make, or shape
The desk was fashioned out of oak.
Synonyms
make,
shape,
cast,
construct,
work,
form,
create,
design,
manufacture,
forge,
mould,
contrive,
fabricate
Additional synonyms
in the sense of fashion
Definition
the way that something happens or is done
We must go about this in an organized fashion.
Synonyms
method,
way,
style,
approach,
manner,
mode
in the sense of favour
Definition
an act done out of goodwill or generosity
I've come to ask for a favour.
Synonyms
good turn,
service,
benefit,
courtesy,
kindness,
indulgence,
boon (archaic),
good deed,
kind act,
obligement (Scottish, archaic)
in the sense of flair
Definition
natural ability
She has a flair for languages.
Synonyms
ability,
feel,
talent,
gift,
genius,
faculty,
accomplishment,
mastery,
knack,
aptitude
in the sense of fling
the England bowler's chance of a fling at South Africa in the second Test today
Synonyms
try,
go (informal),
attempt,
shot (informal),
trial,
crack (informal),
venture,
gamble,
stab (informal),
bash (informal),
whirl (informal)
in the sense of form
Definition
to make or construct or be made or constructed
The bowl was formed out of clay.
Synonyms
make,
produce,
model,
fashion,
build,
create,
shape,
manufacture,
stamp,
construct,
assemble,
forge,
mould,
fabricate
in the sense of form
Definition
a type or kind
He contracted a rare form of cancer.
Synonyms
type,
sort,
kind,
variety,
way,
system,
order,
class,
style,
practice,
method,
species,
manner,
stamp,
description
in the sense of format
Definition
the shape, size, and general appearance of a publication
They met to discuss the format of future negotiations.
Synonyms
arrangement,
form,
style,
make-up,
look,
plan,
design,
type,
appearance,
construction,
presentation,
layout
in the sense of fright
Definition
a sudden alarming shock
The snake gave everyone a fright.
Synonyms
scare,
start,
turn (informal),
surprise,
shock,
jolt,
the creeps (informal),
the shivers,
the willies (slang),
the heebie-jeebies (slang)
in the sense of generate
Definition
to produce or create
The minister said the reforms would generate new jobs.
Synonyms
produce,
create,
make,
form,
cause,
initiate,
bring about,
originate,
give rise to,
engender,
whip up
in the sense of gesture
Definition
a movement of the hands, head, or body to express or emphasize an idea or emotion
She made a menacing gesture with her fist.
Synonyms
sign,
action,
signal,
motion,
indication,
gesticulation
Additional synonyms
in the sense of get
Definition
to become
The boys were getting bored.
Synonyms
become,
grow,
turn,
wax,
come to be
in the sense of gift
Definition
a special ability or power
As a youth he discovered a gift for teaching.
Synonyms
talent,
ability,
capacity,
genius,
power,
bent,
faculty,
capability,
forte,
flair,
knack,
aptitude,
attribute
in the sense of go
Definition
to do or become as specified
You'd better serve it up before it goes cold.
Synonyms
become,
get,
turn
in the sense of go
Definition
a turn to do something in a game
Whose go is it next?
Synonyms
turn,
shot (informal),
spell,
stint
in the sense of go off
Definition
(of food) to become stale or rotten
Don't eat that! It's gone off!
Synonyms
go bad,
turn,
spoil,
rot,
go stale
in the sense of grow
Definition
to become increasingly as specified
He's growing old.
Synonyms
become,
get,
turn,
come to be
in the sense of guise
Definition
general appearance or form
He claimed the Devil had appeared to him in the guise of a goat.
Synonyms
form,
appearance,
dress,
fashion,
shape,
aspect,
mode,
semblance
in the sense of gyrate
Definition
to turn round and round in a circle
The aeroplane was gyrating about in the sky in a most alarming fashion.
Synonyms
rotate,
circle,
spin,
spiral,
revolve,
whirl,
twirl,
pirouette
in the sense of gyration
He continued his enthusiastic gyrations on stage.
Synonyms
rotation,
revolution,
spin,
spinning,
whirl,
whirling,
pirouette,
convolution
in the sense of hit
Definition
to reach (a point or place)
Oil prices hit record levels yesterday.
Synonyms
reach,
strike,
gain,
achieve,
secure,
arrive at,
accomplish,
attain
Additional synonyms
in the sense of hurt
Did they hurt you?
Synonyms
harm,
injure,
molest,
ill-treat,
maltreat,
lay a finger on
in the sense of influence
Definition
to persuade or induce
The conference influenced us to launch the campaign.
Synonyms
persuade,
move,
prompt,
urge,
counsel,
induce,
incline,
dispose,
arouse,
sway,
rouse,
entice,
coax,
incite,
instigate,
predispose,
impel,
prevail upon
in the sense of injure
Definition
to hurt physically or mentally
A bomb exploded, seriously injuring five people.
Synonyms
hurt,
wound,
harm,
break,
damage,
smash,
crush,
mar,
disable,
shatter,
bruise,
impair,
mutilate,
maim,
mangle,
mangulate (Australian, slang),
incapacitate
in the sense of jaunt
Definition
a pleasure trip or outing
I decided to take a jaunt down to Long Beach.
Synonyms
outing,
tour,
trip,
stroll,
expedition,
excursion,
ramble,
promenade,
awayday,
airing
in the sense of jolt
Definition
a severe shock
The business needed such a jolt
Synonyms
surprise,
blow,
shock,
setback,
reversal,
bombshell,
thunderbolt,
whammy (informal),
bolt from the blue
in the sense of knack
Definition
an ability to do something difficult with apparent ease
He's got the knack of getting people to listen.
Synonyms
skill,
art,
ability,
facility,
talent,
gift,
capacity,
trick,
bent,
craft,
genius,
expertise,
forte,
flair,
competence,
ingenuity,
propensity,
aptitude,
dexterity,
cleverness,
quickness,
adroitness,
expertness,
handiness,
skilfulness
in the sense of leaning
Definition
a tendency or inclination
I always had a leaning towards sport.
Synonyms
tendency,
liking for,
bias,
inclination,
taste,
bent,
disposition,
penchant,
propensity,
aptitude,
predilection,
proclivity (formal),
partiality,
proneness
in the sense of loop
Definition
to make into a loop
He looped the rope over the wood.
Synonyms
twist,
turn,
join,
roll,
circle,
connect,
bend,
fold,
knot,
curl,
spiral,
coil,
braid,
encircle,
wind round,
curve round
in the sense of make-up
Definition
the arrangement of the parts of something
the chemical make-up of the atmosphere
Synonyms
structure,
organization,
arrangement,
form,
construction,
assembly,
constitution,
format,
formation,
composition,
configuration
in the sense of manner
Definition
the style or customary way of doing something
The manner in which young children are spoken to depends on who is present.
Synonyms
style,
way,
fashion,
method,
means,
form,
process,
approach,
practice,
procedure,
habit,
custom,
routine,
mode,
genre,
tack,
tenor,
usage,
wont
Additional synonyms
in the sense of whack
Let me have a whack at trying to fix the car.
Synonyms
attempt,
go (informal),
try,
turn,
shot (informal),
crack (informal),
stab (informal),
bash (informal)
in the sense of wheel
Definition
to turn in a circle
I wheeled around to face her.
Synonyms
turn,
swing,
spin,
revolve,
rotate,
whirl,
swivel
in the sense of whirl
Definition
to spin or turn round very fast
Hearing a sound behind her, she whirled round.
Synonyms
spin,
turn,
circle,
wheel,
twist,
reel,
rotate,
pivot,
twirl
in the sense of whirl
Definition
the act or an instance of whirling
the whirl of snowflakes in the wind
Synonyms
revolution,
turn,
roll,
circle,
wheel,
spin,
twist,
reel,
swirl,
rotation,
twirl,
pirouette,
gyration,
birl (Scottish)
in the sense of wind
Definition
to follow a twisting course
The Moselle winds through some 160 miles of tranquil countryside.
Synonyms
meander,
turn,
bend,
twist,
curve,
snake,
ramble,
twist and turn,
deviate,
zigzag
in the sense of wrench
Definition
to injure (a limb or joint) by a sudden twist
He had wrenched his ankle badly in the fall.
Synonyms
sprain,
strain,
rick,
distort
in the sense of yield
Definition
to give as a return
400,000 acres of land yielded a crop worth $1.75 billion.
Synonyms
produce,
give,
provide,
pay,
return,
supply,
bear,
net,
earn,
afford,
generate,
bring in,
furnish,
bring forth
All related terms of 'turn'
u-turn
reversal, turnaround, change of heart, about-turn, backtracking
in turn
one at a time, one by one, in succession, one after another
turn in
go to bed, go to sleep, hit the sack, retire for the night, hit the hay
turn up
arrive, come, appear, show up, show
turn back
go back, return, retreat, retrace your steps
turn off
branch off, leave, quit, depart from, deviate
turn out
prove to be, transpire, become apparent, happen, emerge
turn over
overturn, tip over, flip over, upend, be upset
turn tail
run away, flee, run off, escape, take off
about-turn
change of direction, reverse, reversal, turnaround, U-turn
to a turn
perfectly, correctly, precisely, exactly, just right
turn of mind
bent, tendency, bias, inclination, disposition
at every turn
repeatedly, always, constantly, all the time, continually