Turn: meaning, definitions and examples

Commonly used when changing direction or rotating around a point in general situations.

• Turn right at the next intersection.
• He turned the key to start the car.

Typically used in more formal or technical contexts to describe moving in a circular direction around an axis.

• Rotate the handle clockwise to tighten.
• The Earth rotates on its axis once every 24 hours.

Often implies a forceful or quick motion and can sometimes carry a negative connotation, such as causing harm or distortion.

• She twisted her ankle while running.
• He twisted the cap off the bottle.

Often used in contexts where a central point or axis is important, such as in business strategy or sports.

• The company had to pivot its business model to stay profitable.
• He pivoted on his left foot and changed direction quickly.

General movement or change of direction, often used in everyday situations.

• Turn left at the next intersection
• She turned to look at him

Used to describe a central point on which something balances or rotates, often used in technical, mechanical, or business contexts.

• The company decided to pivot to a new marketing strategy
• The dancer pivoted gracefully on one foot

Spinning around an axis, commonly used in scientific, mathematical, or educational settings.

• The rotation of the Earth causes day and night
• The teacher explained the concept of rotation in geometry class

A quick or forceful action that results in something being bent, squished, or tangled, often used to describe physical actions or plot developments.

• She twisted the cap off the bottle
• The movie had an unexpected plot twist