1 C1 idiomatic neutral
(of a person) To become withdrawn and focused entirely on one's own inner world, often as a result of pain, grief, or anxiety.
"After losing his job, he turned in on himself and stopped seeing friends."
inseparable
turn in on oneself
C1 neutral inseparable intransitive
To become inwardly focused, withdrawn, or self-absorbed, often as a response to difficulty or anxiety.
In plain English
To stop engaging with the world outside and focus only on your own thoughts and feelings.
What does "turn in on oneself" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic neutral
(of a society, group, or organisation) To become inward-looking and disconnected from the wider world.
"In times of crisis, communities can turn in on themselves rather than seeking outside help."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To physically fold inward upon oneself.
Actually means
To stop engaging with the world outside and focus only on your own thoughts and feelings.
Usage tip
Used in psychological and emotional contexts. Can describe an individual's reaction to trauma, grief, or depression, or the inward collapse of a society or group. Often carries a negative connotation, suggesting unhealthy isolation.
Words that pair with "turn in on oneself"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
grief anxiety depression society community stress
How to conjugate "turn in on oneself"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
turn in on oneself
I/you/we/they
3rd person
turns in on oneself
he/she/it
Past simple
turned in on oneself
yesterday
Past participle
turned in on oneself
have + pp
-ing form
turning in on oneself
continuous
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