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Definition of "turn" []

  • To cause to move around an axis or center; cause to rotate or revolve. (verb-transitive)
  • To cause to move around in order to achieve a result, such as opening, closing, tightening, or loosening: turn the key; turn a screw. (verb-transitive)
  • To alter or control the functioning of (a mechanical device, for example) by the use of a rotating or similar movement: turned the iron to a hotter setting. (verb-transitive)
  • To perform or accomplish by rotating or revolving: turn a somersault. (verb-transitive)
  • To change the position of so that the underside becomes the upper side: turn the steak; turn a page. (verb-transitive)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "turn" in a sentence
  • "When I turn on the coffee machine in the morning it is intentional under the description of ˜turn on the coffee machine™ that's what I intend to do."
  • ""_Let us_ turn to survey," &c.; the verbs, _be enacted, be blessed, turn_, &c. according to an idiom of our language, or the poet's license, are used in the _imperative_, agreeing with a nominative of the first or third person."
  • ""My soul, turn from them: -- _turn we_ to survey," &c."
Words like "turn"
to turn one's money
to turn the balance
to turn the brain of
to turn the dice
to turn the enemy's flank
to turn the point of
to turn to advantage
to turn upon