First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1turn
verb \ˈtərn\
: to move around a central point
: to cause your body or a part of your body to face a different direction
: to cause (something or a side of something) to face an opposite or different direction
Full Definition of TURN
transitive verb
1
a : to cause to move around an axis or a center : make rotate or revolve <turn a wheel> <turn a crank> b (1) : to cause to move around so as to effect a desired end (as of locking, opening, or shutting) <turned the knob till the door opened> (2) : to affect or alter the functioning of (as a mechanical device) or the level of (as sound) by such movement <turn the oven to 400°> <turn the music to full volume> c : to execute or perform by rotating or revolving <turn handsprings> d : to twist out of line or shape : wrench <had turned his ankle>
2
a (1) : to cause to change position by moving through an arc of a circle <turned her chair to the fire> (2) : to cause to move around a center so as to show another side of <turn the page> (3) : to cause (as a scale) to move so as to register weight b : to revolve mentally : think over : ponder
3
a : to reverse the sides or surfaces of : invert <turn pancakes> <turn the shirt inside out>: as (1) : to dig or plow so as to bring the lower soil to the surface <turn the compost weekly> (2) : to make (as a garment) over by reversing the material and resewing <turn a collar> (3) : to invert feet up and face down (as a character, rule, or slug) in setting type b : to reverse or upset the order or disposition of <everything was turned topsy-turvy> c : to disturb or upset the mental balance of : derange, unsettle <a mind turned by grief> d : to set in another especially contrary direction
4
5
a (1) : to direct or point (as the face) in a specified way or direction (2) : to present by a change in direction or position <turning his back to his guests> b : to bring to bear (as by aiming, pointing, or focusing) : train <turned the light into the dark doorway> <turned a questioning eye toward her> c : to direct (as the attention or mind) toward or away from something d : to direct the employment of : apply, devote <turned his skills to the service of humankind> e (1) : to cause to rebound or recoil <turns their argument against them> (2) : to make antagonistic : prejudice <turn a child against its mother> f (1) : to cause to go in a particular direction <turned our steps homeward> (2) : drive, send <turn cows to pasture> <turning hunters off his land> (3) : to convey or direct out of an inverted receptacle <turn the mixture into a baking dish>
6
a (1) : to make acid or sour (2) : to change the color of (as foliage) b (1) : convert, transform <turn defeat into victory> (2) : translate, paraphrase c : to cause to become of a specified nature or appearance <turned him into a frog> <embarrassment turned her face red> d : to exchange for something else <turn coins into paper money> e : to cause to defect to another side
7
a : to shape especially in a rounded form by applying a cutting tool while revolving in a lathe b : to give a rounded form to by any means <turn the heel of a sock> c : to shape or mold artistically, gracefully, or neatly <a well turned phrase>
8
9
a : to keep (as money or goods) moving; specifically : to dispose of (a stock) to make room for another b : to gain in the course of business <turning a quick profit> c : to make use of <turned her education to advantage> d : to carry to completion : pull off <turned a double play> <turn a deal>
10
: to engage in (an act of prostitution) <turn tricks>
intransitive verb
1
a : to move around on an axis or through an arc of a circle : rotate b : to become giddy or dizzy : spin <heights always made his head turn> c (1) : to have as a decisive factor : hinge <the argument turns on a point of logic> <the outcome of the game turned on an interception> (2) : to have a center (as of interest) in something specified <the discussion turned on the overall worth of the project> (3) : to become focused on something specified <the conversation turned to baseball>
2
a : to direct one's course b (1) : to reverse a course or direction <the tide has turned> (2) : to have a reactive usually adverse effect c : to take a different course or direction <turned toward home> <the main road turns sharply to the right>
3
a : to change position (as of one's head) so as to face another way <everyone turned to stare> b : to face toward or away from someone or something <flowers turn toward the light> c : to change one's attitude or reverse one's course of action to one of opposition or hostility <felt the world had turned against him> d : to make a sudden violent assault especially without evident cause <dogs turning on their owners>
4
a : to direct one's attention to or away from someone or something b (1) : to change one's religion (2) : to go over to another side or party : defect c : to have recourse : refer, resort <turned to a friend for help> <turned to his notes for the exact figures> d : to direct one's efforts or activity : devote or apply oneself <turned to the study of the law> <turned to a life of crime>
5
a : to become changed, altered, or transformed <the weather turned>: as (1) archaic : to become different (2) : to change color <the leaves have turned> (3) : to become sour, rancid, or tainted <the milk had turned> (4) : to be variable or inconstant (5) : to become mentally unbalanced : become deranged b (1) : to pass from one state to another : change <water had turned to ice> (2) : become, grow <his hair had turned gray> <the weather turned bad> <just turned twenty> (3) : to become someone or something specified by change from another state : change into <turn pro> <doctors turned authors> (4) : to change by the passage of time <days turned into weeks and months>
6
: to become curved or bent (as from pressure); especially : to become blunted by bending <the edge of the knife had turned>
7
: to operate a lathe
8
of merchandise : to be stocked and disposed of : change hands
— turn·able \ˈtər-nə-bəl\ adjective
— turn a blind eye
: to refuse to see : be oblivious <might turn a blind eye to the use of violence — Arthur Krock>
— turn a deaf ear
: to refuse to listen
— turn a hair
: to give a sign of distress or disturbance <did not turn a hair when told of the savage murder — Times Literary Supplement>
— turn heads
: to attract favorable attention <the car's sleek design is bound to turn heads>
— turn loose
1
a : to set free <turned loose the captured animal> b : to free from all restraints <turned them loose with a pile of theme paper to write whatever they liked — Elizabeth P. Schafer>
2
: to fire off : discharge
3
: to open fire
— turn one's back on
— turn one's hand or turn a hand
: to set to work : apply oneself
— turn one's head
: to cause to become infatuated or conceited <success had not turned his head>
— turn one's stomach
: to disgust completely : nauseate <the foul smell turned his stomach>
— turn tail
: to turn away so as to flee
— turn the other cheek
: to respond to injury or unkindness with patience : forgo retaliation
— turn the tables
: to bring about a reversal of the relative conditions or fortunes of two contending parties
— turn the trick
: to bring about the desired result or effect
See turn defined for English-language learners
See turn defined for kids
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Origin of TURN
Middle English; partly from Old English tyrnan & turnian to turn, from Medieval Latin tornare, from Latin, to turn on a lathe, from tornus lathe, from Greek tornos; partly from Anglo-French turner, tourner to turn, from Medieval Latin tornare; akin to Latin terere to rub — more at throw
2turn
noun
: an opportunity or responsibility to do or use something before or after other people
: an act of turning something around a central point
: an act of changing the direction that someone or something is facing or moving in
Full Definition of TURN
1
a : the action or an act of turning about a center or axis : revolution, rotation b : any of various rotating or pivoting movements in dancing or gymnastics
2
a : the action or an act of giving or taking a different direction : change of course or posture <an illegal left turn>: as (1) : a drill maneuver in which troops in mass formation change direction without preserving alignment (2) : any of various shifts of direction in skiing (3) : an interruption of a curve in figure skating b : deflection, deviation c : the action or an act of turning so as to face in the opposite direction : reversal of posture or course <an about turn> <the turn of the tide> d : a change effected by turning over to another side <a turn of the cards> e : a place at which something turns, turns off, or turns back : bend, curve
3
: a short trip out and back or round about <took a turn through the park>
4
: an act or deed affecting another especially when incidental or unexpected <one good turn deserves another>
5
a : a period of action or activity : go, spell <took a turn at the piano> b : a place, time, or opportunity accorded an individual or unit of a series in simple succession or in a scheduled order <waiting her turn in line> c : a period or tour of duty : shift d : a short act or piece (as for a variety show); also : public appearance : performance <makes frequent guest star turns> e (1) : an event in any gambling game after which bets are settled (2) : the order of the last three cards in faro —used in the phrase call the turn
6
: something that revolves around a center: as a (1) : lathe (2) : a catch or latch for a cupboard or cabinet door operated by turning a handle b : a musical ornament consisting of a group of four or more notes that wind about the principal note by including the notes next above and next below
7
: a special purpose or requirement —used chiefly in the phrase serve one's turn
8
a : an act of changing : alteration, modification <a nasty turn in the weather> b : a change in tendency, trend, or drift <hoped for a turn in his luck> <a turn for the better> <an unexpected turn of events> c : the beginning of a new period of time : the time when one period changes to the next <the turn of the century>
9
a : distinctive quality or character b : a fashioning of language or arrangement of words : manner of expression <skillful turns of phrase> c : the shape or mold in which something is fashioned : cast
10
a : the state or manner of being coiled or twisted b : a single round (as of rope passed about an object or of wire wound on a core)
11
: natural or special ability or aptitude : bent, inclination <a turn for logic> <an optimistic turn of mind>
12
: a special twist, construction, or interpretation <gave the old yarn a new turn>
13
a : a disordering spell or attack (as of illness, faintness, or dizziness) b : a nervous start or shock <snuck up on her and gave her quite a turn>
14
a : a complete transaction involving a purchase and sale of securities; also : a profit from such a transaction b : turnover 7b
15
: something turned or to be turned: as a : a character or slug inverted in setting type b : a piece of type placed bottom up
— at every turn
: on every occasion : continually <they opposed her at every turn>
— by turns
1
: one after another in regular succession
2
: variously, alternately <a book that is by turns pedantic, delightful, and infuriating>
— in turn
: in due order of succession
— on the turn
: at the point of turning <tide is on the turn>
— out of turn
1
: not in due order of succession <play out of turn>
2
: at a wrong time or place and usually imprudently <talking out of turn>
— to a turn
: to perfection
See turn defined for English-language learners
Origin of TURN
Middle English; partly from Anglo-French tur, tourn turning, circuit (from turner to turn); partly from Middle English turnen to turn
First Known Use: 13th century
Related to TURN
- Synonyms
- amble, constitutional, perambulation, ramble, range, saunter, stroll, walk, wander
TURNED Defined for Kids
1turn
verb \ˈtərn\
turnedturn·ing
Definition of TURN for Kids
1
: to change in position usually by moving through an arc of a circle <They turned and walked away.> <Turn the pancakes over.>
2
: to change course or direction <The road turns to the left.>
3
: to move or direct toward or away from something <We turned toward home.>
4
: to become or cause to become a certain way <The weather turned leaves red.>
6
: to move or cause to move around a center : rotate <The earth turns on its axis.>
7
: to twist so as to bring about a desired end <Turn the key to unlock the door.>
8
: to go around <We turned the corner.>
9
: to reach or pass beyond <Soon she will turn ten.>
10
: to become or make very unfriendly <We were friends until she turned on me.>
11
: to pass from one state to another : become <The weather turned cold.>
13
: to set in another and especially an opposite direction <It's difficult to turn the car on such a narrow street.>
14
: 1wrench 2 <turn an ankle>
15
: 1upset 2 <His behavior turns my stomach.>
16
: to make an appeal <He turned to a friend for help.>
17
: to make or become spoiled <The milk turned.>
18
: translate 1
19
: to give a rounded form to (as on a lathe)
— turn down
— turn off
1
: to stop by using a control <Remember to turn off the alarm.>
2
: to change direction <They turned off onto another road.>
— turn on
: to make work by using a control <Turn on the light.>
— turn out
1
: to prove to be <The noise turned out to be from mice.>
2
: to turn off
— turn over
: to give control or responsibility of to someone
— turn tail
: to turn so as to run away
— turn up
1
: to be found or happen unexpectedly <Don't worry, the key will turn up.>
2
: to raise by or as if by using a control <Turn up the volume.>
3
: arrive 1
2turn
noun
Definition of TURN for Kids
1
: the act of moving about a center <Give the crank another turn.>
2
: a change or changing of direction, course, or position <Make a left turn.>
3
: a place at which something changes direction <a turn in the road>
4
: a period of action or activity : spell <I had my turn as guard.>
5
: proper place in a waiting line or time in a schedule <Take your turn.>
6
: a change or changing of the general state or condition <Business took a turn for the better.>
7
: an act affecting another <Do a friend a good turn.>
8
: a short walk or ride <They took a turn through the park.>
9
: a special purpose or need <That will serve the turn.>
10
: special quality <a nice turn of phrase>
11
: the beginning of a new period of time <the turn of the century>
12
: a single circle or loop (as of rope passed around an object)
13
: natural or special skill <She has a turn for writing.>
— at every turn
: all the time : constantly, continuously <She has managed to succeed at every turn.>
— by turns
: one after another
— in turn
: one after the other in order
— to a turn
: precisely right <The turkey was cooked to a turn.>
Medical Dictionary
turn
transitive verb \ˈtərn\
Medical Definition of TURN
: to injure by twisting or wrenching <turned his ankle>
Learn More About TURN
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