turn

UK: tɜːn | US: tɜːrn

Definition

  1. v. to move or cause to move in a circular direction around a central point

  2. v. to change direction or position

  3. v. to transform or become something else

  4. n. an act of rotating

  5. n. a change in direction or tendency

Structure
turn <to rotate, from Old English *tyrnan*>
Etymology

The word "turn" originates from Old English tyrnan or turnian, borrowed from Latin tornare ("to turn on a lathe"), derived from tornus ("lathe"), which itself comes from Greek tornos ("tool for drawing circles"). The core idea of circular motion or change in direction has persisted through its evolution, reflecting both physical rotation and metaphorical shifts.

Examples

  1. She turned the key in the lock.

  2. The leaves turn red in autumn.

  3. Take the next turn on the right.

  4. It's your turn to speak.

  5. The conversation turned to politics.