What is "turn" in English? Definition and Explanations

Updated: 14-07-2026 by Wikilanguages.net

What does turn mean in English? Meaning of turn definition and abbreviation with examples.

English	English

What is "turn" in English? Definition and Explanations

Meaning of "turn": a circular segment of a curve

Noun

Meaning: a circular segment of a curve

Example: a bend in the road a crook in the path

Synonyms: bend crook turn twist

Hyponyms: bight

Hypernyms: curve curved shape

Pronunciation in US: tûrn, IPA(key)

Pronunciation in UK: /tɜːn/

Meaning of "turn": change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense

Verb

Meaning: change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense

Example: Turn towards me The mugger turned and fled before I could see his face She turned from herself and learned to listen to others' needs

Synonyms: turn

Hyponyms: about-face avert bend caracole circumvolve coil corkscrew corner curve cut deflect deviate divert face flip flip over gee gyrate overturn pivot port pronate roll roll over rotate sheer slew slue spiral splay spread out swerve swing about swing around swivel tip over toss trend tump over turn around turn away turn off turn on a dime turn out turn over twist veer

Hypernyms: move

Also see: address backtrack bend deflect double back turn away turn back turn to

Pronunciation in US: tûrn, IPA(key)

Pronunciation in UK: /tɜːn/

Meaning of "turn": the act of changing or reversing the direction of the course

Noun

Meaning: the act of changing or reversing the direction of the course

Example: he took a turn to the right

Synonyms: turn turning

Hyponyms: deflection deflexion deviation digression divagation diversion kick turn left right stem stem turn swerve swerving telemark three-point turn veering version

Hypernyms: change of course

Pronunciation in US: tûrn, IPA(key)

Pronunciation in UK: /tɜːn/

Meaning of "turn": undergo a transformation or a change of position or action

Verb

Meaning: undergo a transformation or a change of position or action

Example: We turned from Socialism to Capitalism The people turned against the President when he stole the election

Synonyms: change state turn

Hyponyms: acetify acidify alkalify alkalise alkalize ameliorate apparel arouse awake awaken basify be born become better black out boil break break loose burn burst forth buy the farm calcify calm calm down carbonise carbonize carburise carburize carnify cash in one's chips catalyse catalyze catch fire chill chill out choke chondrify citrate clabber close clot clothe cloud over coagulate coke combust come alive come to conceive concentrate conflagrate conk cool cool down cool it cool off croak cross-fertilise cross-fertilize curdle decease decline decompress denitrify die discharge disengage dissolve dress drop dead emaciate emancipate empty emulsify enclothe equilibrate erupt esterify etherify exit expire explode fade away fade out fall ferment fill fill up fit out flourish fluctuate fly high freeze frenchify gain garb garment get get into get worse give-up the ghost go habilitate heat heat up homogenise homogenize hot up ignite improve inspissate integrate ionise ionize kick the bucket liberate liquefy loosen up lose weight meliorate melt off open open up ossify overgrow pass pass away pass out perish pop off precipitate prosper put on raiment react reduce relapse relax resuscitate revive secularise secularize settle down shut simmer down slenderize slim slim down slow down snuff it solvate sorb sour take fire take up tangle with tense tense up thicken thin thrive thrombose tog turn unbend unwind wake wake up waken work worsen zonk out

Hypernyms: change

Also see: pick up put off turn around turn off

Pronunciation in US: tûrn, IPA(key)

Pronunciation in UK: /tɜːn/

Meaning of "turn": (game) the activity of doing something in an agreed succession

Noun

Meaning: (game) the activity of doing something in an agreed succession

Example: it is my turn it is still my play

Synonyms: play turn

Hyponyms: at-bat attack bat down innings lead move ruff start starting trick trumping

Hypernyms: activity

Pronunciation in US: tûrn, IPA(key)

Pronunciation in UK: /tɜːn/

Meaning of "turn": undergo a change or development

Verb

Meaning: undergo a change or development

Example: The water turned into ice Her former friend became her worst enemy He turned traitor

Synonyms: become turn

Hyponyms: add up amount boil down choke come come down nucleate reduce suffocate

Hypernyms: metamorphose transform transmute

Pronunciation in US: tûrn, IPA(key)

Pronunciation in UK: /tɜːn/

Meaning of "turn": an unforeseen development

Noun

Meaning: an unforeseen development

Example: events suddenly took an awkward turn

Synonyms: turn turn of events twist

Hypernyms: development

Pronunciation in US: tûrn, IPA(key)

Pronunciation in UK: /tɜːn/

Meaning of "turn": cause to move around or rotate

Verb

Meaning: cause to move around or rotate

Example: turn a key turn your palm this way

Synonyms: turn

Hyponyms: port reorient supinate

Hypernyms: displace move

Pronunciation in US: tûrn, IPA(key)

Pronunciation in UK: /tɜːn/

Meaning of "turn": a movement in a new direction

Noun

Meaning: a movement in a new direction

Example: the turning of the wind

Synonyms: turn turning

Hyponyms: coming back gyration return reversal revolution rotation swerve turn around volution yaw

Hypernyms: motion movement

Pronunciation in US: tûrn, IPA(key)

Pronunciation in UK: /tɜːn/

Meaning of "turn": change to the contrary

Verb

Meaning: change to the contrary

Example: The trend was reversed the tides turned against him public opinion turned when it was revealed that the president had an affair with a White House intern

Synonyms: change by reversal reverse turn

Hyponyms: alternate commutate commute correct deconsecrate desecrate desynchronise desynchronize exchange falsify flip flip-flop interchange metamorphose permute rectify regress retrovert return revert right switch switch over tack transfigure transmogrify transpose turn back turn the tables turn the tide undo unhallow

Hypernyms: change

Also see: cut switch off switch on turn off turn on turn out

Pronunciation in US: tûrn, IPA(key)

Pronunciation in UK: /tɜːn/

Meaning of "turn": the act of turning away or in the opposite direction

Noun

Meaning: the act of turning away or in the opposite direction

Example: he made an abrupt turn away from her

Synonyms: turn

Hypernyms: change of direction reorientation

Pronunciation in US: tûrn, IPA(key)

Pronunciation in UK: /tɜːn/

Meaning of "turn": pass to the other side of

Verb

Meaning: pass to the other side of

Example: turn the corner move around the obstacle

Synonyms: move around turn

Hypernyms: go locomote move travel

Pronunciation in US: tûrn, IPA(key)

Pronunciation in UK: /tɜːn/

Meaning of "turn": turning or twisting around (in place)

Noun

Meaning: turning or twisting around (in place)

Example: with a quick twist of his head he surveyed the room

Synonyms: turn twist

Hyponyms: twiddle

Hypernyms: rotary motion rotation

Pronunciation in US: tûrn, IPA(key)

Pronunciation in UK: /tɜːn/

Meaning of "turn": pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become

Verb

Meaning: pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become

Example: The weather turned nasty She grew angry

Synonyms: grow turn

Hyponyms: bald turn

Hypernyms: change

Pronunciation in US: tûrn, IPA(key)

Pronunciation in UK: /tɜːn/

Meaning of "turn": a time for working (after which you will be relieved by someone else)

Noun

Meaning: a time for working (after which you will be relieved by someone else)

Example: it's my go a spell of work

Synonyms: go spell tour turn

Hypernyms: duty period shift work shift

Pronunciation in US: tûrn, IPA(key)

Pronunciation in UK: /tɜːn/

Meaning of "turn": let (something) fall or spill from a container

Verb

Meaning: let (something) fall or spill from a container

Example: turn the flour onto a plate

Synonyms: release turn

Hyponyms: deflate throw

Hypernyms: channel channelise channelize transfer transmit transport

Pronunciation in US: tûrn, IPA(key)

Pronunciation in UK: /tɜːn/

Meaning of "turn": (sports) a division during which one team is on the offensive

Noun

Meaning: (sports) a division during which one team is on the offensive

Synonyms: bout round turn

Hyponyms: bottom bottom of the inning top top of the inning

Hypernyms: division part section

Pronunciation in US: tûrn, IPA(key)

Pronunciation in UK: /tɜːn/

Meaning of "turn": move around an axis or a center

Verb

Meaning: move around an axis or a center

Example: The wheels are turning

Synonyms: turn

Hyponyms: go around revolve rotate

Hypernyms: move

Pronunciation in US: tûrn, IPA(key)

Pronunciation in UK: /tɜːn/

Meaning of "turn": a short theatrical performance that is part of a longer program

Noun

Meaning: a short theatrical performance that is part of a longer program

Example: he did his act three times every evening she had a catchy little routine it was one of the best numbers he ever did

Synonyms: act bit number routine turn

Hyponyms: show-stopper showstopper stopper

Hypernyms: performance public presentation

Pronunciation in US: tûrn, IPA(key)

Pronunciation in UK: /tɜːn/

Meaning of "turn": cause to move around a center so as to show another side of

Verb

Meaning: cause to move around a center so as to show another side of

Example: turn a page of a book

Synonyms: turn turn over

Hyponyms: evert leaf

Hypernyms: displace move

Pronunciation in US: tûrn, IPA(key)

Pronunciation in UK: /tɜːn/

Meaning of "turn": a favor for someone

Noun

Meaning: a favor for someone

Example: he did me a good turn

Synonyms: good turn turn

Hypernyms: favor favour

Pronunciation in US: tûrn, IPA(key)

Pronunciation in UK: /tɜːn/

Meaning of "turn": to send or let go

Verb

Meaning: to send or let go

Example: They turned away the crowd at the gate of the governor's mansion

Synonyms: turn

Hypernyms: direct send

Pronunciation in US: tûrn, IPA(key)

Pronunciation in UK: /tɜːn/

Meaning of "turn": taking a short walk out and back

Noun

Meaning: taking a short walk out and back

Example: we took a turn in the park

Synonyms: turn

Hypernyms: walk

Pronunciation in US: tûrn, IPA(key)

Pronunciation in UK: /tɜːn/

Meaning of "turn": to break and turn over earth especially with a plow

Verb

Meaning: to break and turn over earth especially with a plow

Example: Farmer Jones plowed his east field last week turn the earth in the Spring

Synonyms: plough plow turn

Hyponyms: disk harrow ridge

Hypernyms: till

Pronunciation in US: tûrn, IPA(key)

Pronunciation in UK: /tɜːn/

Meaning of "turn": shape by rotating on a lathe or cutting device or a wheel

Meaning: have recourse to or make an appeal or request for help or information to

Example: She called on her Representative to help her She turned to her relatives for help

Synonyms: call on turn

Hypernyms: appeal invoke

Pronunciation in US: tûrn, IPA(key)

Pronunciation in UK: /tɜːn/

Meaning of "turn": go sour or spoil

Verb

Meaning: go sour or spoil

Example: The milk has soured The wine worked The cream has turned--we have to throw it out

Synonyms: ferment sour turn work

Hypernyms: change state turn

Pronunciation in US: tûrn, IPA(key)

Pronunciation in UK: /tɜːn/

Meaning of "turn": become officially one year older

Verb

Meaning: become officially one year older

Example: She is turning 50 this year

Synonyms: turn

Hypernyms: age get on maturate mature senesce

Pronunciation in US: tûrn, IPA(key)

Pronunciation in UK: /tɜːn/

Synonyms:

direction, angle, trend, shift, curve, departure, spiral, twist, wind, reversal, swing, corner, spin, round, change, deviation, about-face, winding, bias, bend, gyration, pivot, tendency, whirl, yaw, branch, circle, circumvolution, turnabout, wheel, quirk, reversion, drift, detour, tack, rotation, cycle, gyre, reverse, circulation, hook, roll, bow, fork, circuit, heading, flection, turning, flexure, pirouette, retroversion, twisting, changeabout, right-about, twist, shift, departure, deviation, fork, digression, divarication, double, yaw, detour, variation, tack, warp, bend, branch, modification, alteration, distortion, crotch, mutation, deflection, shot, shift, time, act, action, bit, round, gesture, try, move, service, fling, succession, crack, spell, period, stint, trick, favor, tour, routine, go, bout, accomplishment, deed, say, go around, spin, ramble, ride, constitutional, drive, excursion, promenade, jaunt, circuit, saunter, stroll, airing, bump, head, talent, bent, gift, genius, faculty, aptness, predisposition, bias, affinity, propensity, disposition, leaning, flair, inclination, surprise, blow, spell, fright, fit, shock, jolt, seizure, start, attack, twist, cut, spin, swing, pass, arc, bend, corner, pivot, ground, whirl, yaw, vibrate, eddy, circle, oscillate, sway, roll, circulate, wheel, swivel, negotiate, gyre, weave, rotate, incline, orbit, gyrate, wind, twirl, round, loop, pirouette, circumduct, come around, go around, go round, hang a left, hang a right, make a left, make a right, move in a circle, pass around, take a bend, convert, return, shift, move, transform, twist, switch, swing, change, swerve, depart, curve, vary, direct, sidetrack, pivot, whip, whirl, sheer, inverse, relapse, subvert, retrace, invert, alternate, diverge, upset, about-face, swirl, sway, deviate, wheel, detour, zigzag, tack, recoil, detract, capsize, incline, veer, revert, alter, backslide, aim, digress, regress, loop, call off, double back, go back, redirect, shunt, volte-face, change position, face about, rechannel, shy away, convert, run, form, get, transform, go, put, become, translate, come, change, transmute, mutate, fashion, render, modify, transpose, metamorphose, remodel, shape, wax, transfigure, divert, mold, alter, vary, remake, refashion, change into, grow into, pass into, decay, curdle, taint, crumble, putrefy, sour, spoil, disintegrate, ferment, molder, rot, dull, decompose, acidify, become rancid, break down, go bad, go, give, run, throw, look, repair, incline, recur, lend, tend, devote, prefer, direct, utilize, employ, favor, bend, undertake, address, apply, appeal, approach, be predisposed to, have recourse, turn ones energies to, turn ones hand to, discompose, unsettle, revolt, upset, undo, nauseate, unbalance, disgust, derange, disorder, unhinge, make one sick, renounce, repudiate, influence, tergiversate, rat, persuade, prejudice, renege, retract, apostatize, desert, go over, bring round, change sides, prevail upon, talk into, tergiverse, bruise, hurt, strain, crick, wrench, dislocate, sprain,

Antonyms:

stagnation, miss, inability, failure, stagnation, miss, inability, failure, cessation, idleness, inactivity, inertia, repose, stoppage, stagnation, miss, inability, rest, failure, stagnation, miss, inability, run, failure, inability, incapacity, lack, disinclination, dislike, stagnation, miss, ineptness, failure, stagnation, miss, inability, failure, straighten, remain, let go, stay, steady, make well, persist, remain, stagnate, straighten, grow, hold, keep, stay, continue, lose, progress, develop, make well, persist, remain, surrender, stagnate, hold, keep, stay, stop, break, depart, leave, leave alone, maintain, make well, grow, improve, put together, combine, unite, build, develop, flourish, make well, ignore, misuse, dislike, shun, stop, hurt, neglect, make well, calm, soothe, delight, compose, order, make happy, please, make well, approve, make well, soothe, calm, placate, make well,

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