Phrase guide

turn against

verb · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To rebel or oppose to something formerly supported.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, transitive

Examples

  • They turned against their leader.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To set against or in opposition to something.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: intransitive, transitive

Examples

  • She turned her umbrella against the wind.
  • She turned against the wind.
  • She turned him against his friends.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To use to the disadvantage or injury of.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, transitive

Examples

  • His argument was turned against him.
  • They turned their arms against their former allies.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

5 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Arabic: اِنْقَلَبَ عَلَى (inqalaba ʕalā) — to become hostile towards when not hostile previously
  • Danish: vende sig — to become hostile towards when not hostile previously
  • Japanese: 突っ掛かる (tsukkakaru) — to become hostile towards when not hostile previously
  • Māori: kairiri — to become hostile towards when not hostile previously
  • Telugu: తిరగబడు (tiragabaḍu) — to become hostile towards when not hostile previously