1 B1 neutral
To refuse to allow someone to enter a place or receive a service.
"The venue was full, and dozens of people were turned away at the door."
separable
turn away
B1 neutral separable transitive/intransitive
To refuse to allow someone in or to help them; to rotate so as to face away from something.
In plain English
To tell someone they cannot come in or get help, or to look away from something.
What does "turn away" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 neutral
To rotate one's face or body so as not to look at something.
"She turned away when the accident photos appeared on screen."
inseparable
3 B1 neutral
(figurative) To reject or refuse to help someone in need.
"The charity promises never to turn away anyone who needs food."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To rotate one's body to face away from something or someone.
Actually means
To tell someone they cannot come in or get help, or to look away from something.
Usage tip
When used transitively, 'turn away' often has a connotation of refusing entry or help. When used intransitively, it typically describes a physical act of averting one's gaze or body. Common in hospitality, immigration, and emotional contexts.
Words that pair with "turn away"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
customers refugees gaze eyes crowds request
How to conjugate "turn away"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
turn away
I/you/we/they
3rd person
turns away
he/she/it
Past simple
turned away
yesterday
Past participle
turned away
have + pp
-ing form
turning away
continuous
Hear "turn away" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "turn away" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.