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to turn

to turn

∞ 1.0
Move something so it faces a different direction or side
  • verb
  • /tɜrn/
: girar
  • Turn around.
  • turn the page
  • turn around
  • turn back

I'm recording MO and then I turn and that's incredible.

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Examples

  • Go upstairs and turn on all the lights.

  • Just take that one second to turn your head and look.

  • Sit on the ground, then turn around, walk straight out.

  • Seeing this I began to turn and run away from him.

  • Would you like me to turn on the shower radio?

  • Well, you got to turn the power back on.

  • Keep your room cool at night, and turn the lights down low.

    Academic text (2015)
  • When you leave the highway, turn off all your lights.

  • At the first intersection, turn left onto Galvez.

  • At the first intersection, turn left onto Galvez to reach the park quickly.

Synonyms

to roll
vsto turn
∞ 1.0

To move across the sky or land with a smooth swaying motion

is a general change of direction that need not involve rolling motion
to turn around
vsto turn
900 2.0

To move your body to face the opposite direction or change your attitude

is the broader movement concept including many kinds of rotation
to spin
vsto turn
578 1.0

To make something turn around quickly

is the general act of changing direction that can be slower
to go around
vsto turn
298 2.0

Move in a circle around a point, like a planet around the Sun

is the general action that also covers many circular movements
to twist
vsto turn
295 1.7

To turn something so it becomes a curved or spiral shape

is more general and includes nonspiral rotations and direction shifts
to rotate
vsto turn
140 3.0

To turn around a central point, like a wheel or planet

is a broader action of changing direction that includes this motion
to swirl
vsto turn
131 2.7

To move in a twisting or circular way

is the general change of direction that also covers nonflowing moves
to turn over
vsto turn
118 2.6

Flip something so the other side faces up

is a general change of direction that need not show flipping
to spin around
vsto turn
88 2.1

To turn your body quickly in a circle many times

is the broader movement idea, including single or repeated rotations
to circle around
vsto turn
66 2.3

Move in a round path around someone or something

is broader, including single changes of direction as well as circling
rotation
vsto turn
58 2.8

Turning around a central point, for example the Earth spinning once

is the general action of changing direction around a point
turning
vsto turn
36 2.5

A change of direction in a road or path

is the simple movement or action of changing orientation or direction
to wheel
vsto turn
33 4.1

To turn quickly to face a different direction

is broader and covers both quick and slow direction changes
to swivel
vsto turn
26 4.7

To turn around on a point to face a different way

is the wider action of changing orientation beyond pivot motion
to angle
vsto turn
23 3.2

To move or turn something so it is not straight

is the broader action of changing direction, not only tilting
to revolve
vsto turn
23 3.2

To make something move in a circle around a central point

covers that circular movement but also other direction changes
pivot
vsto turn
16 4.0

A turn of the body made by keeping one foot in place

is broader, covering tight turning and other kinds of rotation
to whirl
vsto turn
16 2.6

To turn quickly in a circle or twist

is the general action that can be slow, quick, or forceful
twirl
vsto turn
14 2.7

A quick spin or turn

is broader and includes both quick and slow directional changes
revolution
vsto turn
  • Specialized
13 3.5

One complete turn around a central point, like a planet or wheel

is the general act of changing direction, not only full revolutions
twisting
vsto turn
12 2.4

Turning something around quickly so it spins

is the general change of direction, not only rapid or forced rotation
to revolve around
vsto turn
12 3.6

Move in a circle around a central object, like planets around the Sun

includes orbiting but also simple changes in facing or direction
to turn out
vsto turn
11 3.0

To move legs or feet outward from the hips

is general movement or direction change not limited to pointing outward
to wheel around
vsto turn
6 4.2

To turn quickly to face a different direction

is the general change of direction that can be slower or planned
deflection
vsto turn
6 6.0

How much an object bends or moves away from a straight line

is the general change of direction including intentional and incidental moves
to turn round
vsto turn
  • UK
5 1.4

Move your body so you face the opposite direction

is a general action of changing direction that can be subtle or large
to round
vsto turn
5 3.0

Move around something following a curved path

is the basic change of direction that may or may not curve
wheeling
vsto turn
4 3.1

Moving something on round parts that turn, like a trolley or cart

is more general, including nonwheeled rotation and direction change
rotated
vsto turn
2 2.6

Turned around a center point like a wheel

describes the general action rather than a finished state
to circle round
vsto turn
1 3.5

Move around something or someone in a circle

is more general and also covers noncircular direction changes
rotary motion
vsto turn
  • Specialized
1 3.6

Movement in which something spins around a fixed line

is the general category covering this type of motion
circumvolution
vsto turn
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A twist or coil around a middle point, like a spiral staircase

is a plain description of changing direction or rotating in general
to circumvolve
vsto turn
  • Specialized
1 9.9

To make something turn around its center like a wheel

is the general movement concept that also includes this causing action

Antonyms

∞ 1.0

To remain in one place and not leave

93 2.3

A stop in movement or activity

Idioms

235 3.3

Happening one after another or as a result of what happened before

42 3.5

Again and again in every situation

Choose to ignore something wrong

To change a situation so you get the advantage over someone who had it before

Choose not to fight back after someone hurts or insults you

To begin to get better after a difficult time

Cause a big change that makes things much better

to turn to stone
  • Literature
18 7.7

Become completely still and look like stone when frightened

Completely change the usual idea about something

17 5.2

To go back to an earlier time or wish you could

Make people see something in a very different way

8 6.8

A situation that becomes noisy, messy, and out of control

6 7.2

To turn quickly in a very small space, like a car

5 9.3

You have to go home or go to bed because it is very late

A change that makes a situation better

Refuse to listen to someone who gives advice or warnings

to turn a phrase
  • Informal
3 6.8

Say something in a clever, attractive way

2 9.9

To have sex with a customer for money

1 8.4

To start crying to make someone feel sorry for you

Show no sign of worry, fear, or surprise

Help someone stop being sad and start smiling

An event that makes a tense or difficult situation worse

To be good enough for a purpose for a short time

1 7.7

Exactly the right amount or degree needed

To leave quickly by suddenly walking away because you are angry or shocked

To make you feel sick or disgusted

To give one side an advantage in a situation

To make big positive changes in your life after hard times

to execute a U-turn
  • Literature
1 5.3

Change a plan or decision so the opposite happens

7.8

Make a good amount of money from business or sales

Make good money from a business or activity

To become red in the face when you feel embarrassed

9.9

To suddenly become chaotic and very messy

8.6

To think a dead person is very upset because something goes against what they cared about

Change which person or group you support for your own benefit

Make something good from pain or a bad situation

9.9

To use swear words, often when angry

Make a situation end the way you want

To change a situation completely and suddenly

To show you think something is not good enough

turn up to bat
  • Informal
7.7

A chance to speak or act after others have had theirs

Change opinions often to fit new people or situations

A big mistake that changes your plans or life

Phrasal Verbs

∞ 3.4

To be discovered or to happen in a way you do not expect

∞ 2.2

To change into something different or make something change

900 2.0

To move your body to face the opposite direction or change your attitude

816 1.3

To stop a machine or device from working with a switch

723 1.0

To make a machine or device start working

515 2.7

Face someone and speak to them

414 3.3

To give a person or thing to the police

392 3.2

Give a person or thing to someone else to look after

376 2.8

Go to someone or something for help

373 2.9

Refuse an offer, invitation, or request

365 3.2

To make someone or something better after a bad time

308 4.8

To suddenly become unfriendly or aggressive towards someone

290 2.0

To appear after being lost or when not expected

251 2.1

To go back to a previous place or state

to turn on
  • NSFW
185 7.2

To make someone feel excited or interested

178 2.3

Move your body so you do not face someone or something

177 3.8

To start opposing someone you once supported

147 2.7

Make the sound or heat from something lower, for example music

118 2.6

Flip something so the other side faces up

111 3.5

People come to an event in large numbers

to turn off
  • Informal
104 4.4

To make someone feel strong dislike

Cause a big sudden change that leaves people confused

83 2.8

Refuse someone entry to a place or group

80 2.6

To make the inside face outwards

76 3.0

To find something while searching or by chance

To change direction or the way things are going, often suddenly

To refuse to have anything to do with someone or something

To switch a light so it stops shining

47 2.7

To switch off a light or machine

35 3.5

To produce many things quickly, often using machines

To move your body so you can see someone or something

Move on to the next page or to a new part of your life after a difficult time

Make a situation more urgent to force someone to act

26 2.0

To stop someone from going forward or entering

to turn in
  • Informal
26 3.5

To go to bed to sleep

To earn more money than you spend running a business or project

23 3.9

Choosing the wrong direction or decision causes trouble

to turn heads
  • Informal
22 4.4

To attract a lot of attention because of how you look or what you wear

20 3.2

To quickly show a feeling or quality to get a result

To be proved correct after checking

20 4.1

To depend on something

to turn out
  • Informal
18 4.9

To make someone leave a place

17 1.8

To leave a road and go onto another road

Be patient and let others go before you until it is your turn

17 1.2

Become red in the face because you feel embarrassed, shy, or angry

To be completely ruined and lose all value

13 3.7

To give a performance or result in a contest

11 3.0

To move legs or feet outward from the hips

11 5.1

To become violent or angry suddenly

Make the sound from a radio, TV, or speaker louder

to turn to shit
  • Offensive
10 9.9

To go very badly and fail completely

7 7.0

To run away quickly because you are afraid

6 2.8

To fold up the edge of clothes so it covers part of them

Become very successful and make a lot of money

5 1.4

Move your body so you face the opposite direction

4 3.4

To dress someone in special clothes for an event

Turn a car or other vehicle left at an intersection

To make a room or car warm by switching on a machine that warms it

4 4.1

Think carefully about something before deciding

4 3.1

To move off a road into a driveway or side road

3 3.2

Become very white in the face when you feel shocked, afraid, or sick

To put more pressure on someone so they do what you want

3 3.4

Dig and loosen soil to prepare it for planting

3 3.6

Begin to fall after rising or staying steady

Speak when it is not your turn, often in a class or meeting

To try to make someone change what they do by making them feel more stress

To flip over so the bottom becomes the top, often about boats or cars

to turn over
  • Specialized
1 3.4

Sell goods or services worth a total amount in a period

To become very unpleasant and harmful in a relationship or group

1 6.2

Make simple food into a large special meal with many dishes

To show that you do not agree with or support something

Choose not to be involved with someone or something anymore

Become angry or excited in a discussion

Compounds

A period of years around the start of a new century, about ten years before and after

43 3.2

A complete turn to go the opposite way, like a car on the road

turn-on
  • NSFW
38 8.2

Something that makes someone feel sexually excited or attracted

A sudden change in a situation that makes plans or results different

30 1.0

Moving a vehicle to the left while driving

turn-off
  • Informal
13 5.0

Something that makes a person lose interest or feel dislike

10 2.5

A flashing light on a vehicle that shows which way the driver will turn or change lanes

A clever way of saying something that people remember

5 2.2

An act of kindness done to help someone

star turn
  • Literature
3 6.4

A very good performance by an actor or entertainer that gets special attention

about turn
  • Jargon
1 5.8

A complete change of direction or opinion, often sudden

left turn
  • Literature
1 5.8

Changing policies or views toward more left-wing ideas

1 2.3

A blinking light on a car that shows which way it will turn

A driving move that turns a car around in a small space

1 8.2

A skiing move where you lift one ski and turn to go the other way while standing

1 6.8

A driving move where the driver pulls the handbrake so the rear wheels slide and the car turns sharply

1 8.1

An action meant to help that causes harm or trouble

A special way of saying something when speaking or writing

stem turn
  • Jargon
1 8.2

A skiing turn where you push the tail of one ski out to slow and change direction

A large number of people who come to an event

ampere-turn
  • Specialized
7.3

A unit for magnet strength that one ampere of current produces in one loop of wire

A sudden change of plans, policy, or behaviour

9.9

A change to a more negative view of people as selfish and violent

9.9

A clever but tricky argument meant to confuse people

How Fast

to spin
578 1.0
to whirl
16 2.6
to turn
∞ 1.0
to rotate
140 3.0
to twist
295 1.7

Surface Forms

turn infinitive
turned past
turned past participle
turning present participle
turns third person singular

Etymology

Turn comes from a very old idea of making something go round, like a wheel on a spinning tool, so to 'turn' is to rotate or change direction.