ENGLISH
REFERENCE

reverse

v. · n. · adj.
US //ɹiˈvɝs// UK //ɹɪvˈɜːs// re·verse
  1. 1 to change direction or order (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to change something so it goes in the opposite direction or follows the opposite order.

    to transpose the positions of elements or to cause a process to run in the opposite sequence.

    Example

    The new manager decided to reverse the company's policy on remote work.

    Example

    The researchers had to reverse the order of the steps to see if the chemical reaction would still occur under cooler conditions.
  2. 2 to drive backwards (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    to drive a car or other vehicle backwards.

    to operate a vehicle in a rearward direction. Often used intransitively or with a reflexive pronoun.

    Example

    It is difficult to reverse a large truck into a narrow driveway.

    Example

    The driver carefully reversed the trailer toward the loading dock, relying entirely on his side mirrors to guide the maneuver.
    • back up
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  1. 3 to cancel a legal decision (v.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Law

    to officially change a legal decision or a rule to the opposite.

    to annul or overrule a previous legal judgement, verdict, or administrative decree.

    Example

    The higher court chose to reverse the earlier judge's decision.

    Example

    The Supreme Court eventually reversed the ruling, citing a fundamental misinterpretation of the constitutional protections regarding privacy.
  2. 4 the opposite (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the exact opposite of a situation or statement.

    the contrary or opposite of something previously mentioned.

    Example

    I thought the film would be boring, but the reverse was true.

    Example

    While many expected the tax cuts to stimulate spending, the reverse occurred as households began saving more in anticipation of a recession.
  3. 5 a setback (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Literary

    a problem that stops progress or makes a situation worse.

    a change from good fortune to bad; a significant defeat or setback.

    Example

    The army suffered a major reverse during the winter battle.

    Example

    Despite several financial reverses early in his career, the entrepreneur eventually built a global shipping empire.
  4. 6 the back side (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the back of something, like a coin or a piece of paper.

    the side of a coin, medal, or document that is considered the back.

    Example

    You can find the date the coin was made on its reverse.

    Example

    The artist signed the canvas on the reverse to avoid distracting from the delicate brushwork on the front.
  5. 7 opposite in direction (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    going in the opposite direction or being the opposite of something.

    acting, moving, or facing in a manner opposite to the usual or previous one.

    Example

    The two cars were travelling in reverse directions when they passed each other.

    Example

    The gears were locked in a reverse position, preventing the machine from advancing along the assembly line.
Etymology 1

From Middle English revers, from Anglo-Norman revers, Middle French revers, and their source, Latin reversus, perfect passive participle of reversō, from re- + versō. Doublet of revers.

Etymology 2

From Middle English reversen, from Anglo-Norman reverser, Middle French reverser, and their source, Latin reversō, from re- + versō.

Word family
Idioms1 entry

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