# turn away from

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/turn-away-from
Updated: 2026-07-27

## Definition

to stop looking at something or to change your direction so you are not facing it. It also means to stop supporting or believing in something you once liked.

For teachers: to physically rotate one's body or head to face a different direction; to cease supporting or engaging with an idea, belief, or person.

## Examples

- She had to turn away from the bright light.
- He decided to turn away from his old life and start fresh in a new city.
- Faced with the overwhelming evidence of his betrayal, she could only turn away from him in silent, profound disappointment.

## Usage notes

- The phrasal verb is intransitive when describing physical movement, but can take a direct object when meaning to reject or abandon something.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.