turn away
phrasal verb·2 senses·particle away
Meanings
Refuse to allow someone to enter
Why “away”? A person, object, look, or choice becomes more distant from its starting point.
“Security turned Maya and Leo away because they were not on the club list.”
“The clinic turned patients away without appointments.”
Move your face or eyes from someone or something
“She turned away in disgust.”
“He turned away when the needle appeared.”
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Test yourself
“Security turned Maya and Leo away because they were not on the club list.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
turn back
A contrast learners often mix up
Reverse to an earlier state
turn down
A contrast learners often mix up
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
back away
Same away pattern: leaving
Move away or distance yourself, often from fear or caution
break away
Same away pattern: leaving
Escape from someone holding you; Leave a group to form a separate one; Pull ahead of others in a race
call away
Same away pattern: leaving
Be required to leave because of an urgent matter
chase away
Same away pattern: leaving
Force someone or something to leave by chasing
come away
Same away pattern: leaving
Leave a place with a particular feeling or impression
drag away
Same away pattern: leaving
Force someone to leave a place reluctantly
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