Base verb

Phrasal verbs with turn

The verb turn combines with 15 particles to form everyday phrasal verbs. Each particle steers the meaning in its own direction — here they are with clear definitions and examples, so you can see the whole family at once.

15 phrasal verbs · 26 meanings

turn about

1 sense
  • Reverse direction by 180°
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turn against

1 sense
  • Stop supporting someone and become hostile to them
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turn around

2 senses
  • Move so you face the other direction
  • Improve a situation that was failing
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turn aside

1 sense
  • Move to one side, usually to make space
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turn away

2 senses
  • Refuse to allow someone to enter
  • Move your face or eyes from someone or something
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turn back

1 sense
  • Reverse to an earlier state
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turn down

3 senses
  • Reject or refuse an offer or request
  • Lower the volume, heat or intensity of a device
  • Fold or pull bedding so it is ready to sleep in
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turn in

2 senses
  • Go to bed for the night
  • Give work or an item to the person responsible for it
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turn into

2 senses
  • Become something different
  • Change something so it becomes something different
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turn off

2 senses
  • Stop a device, light, or machine from operating
  • Make someone lose interest or feel dislike
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turn on

1 sense
  • Make a device, light, or machine start working
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turn out

1 sense
  • Happen in a particular way or have a particular result
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turn over

4 senses
  • Rotate so that the other side faces up
  • Hand a person or thing to authorities
  • (of a business) Receive a particular amount of money from sales
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turn round

1 sense
  • Move to face a different direction
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turn up

2 senses
  • Increase the setting on a machine or device
  • Appear, often unexpectedly
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