Skip to definition.
Get the FREE one-click dictionary software for Windows or the iPhone/iPad and Android apps


Verb: reverse  ri'vurs
  1. Change to the contrary
    "The trend was reversed";
    - change by reversal, turn
     
  2. Turn inside out or upside down
    - turn back, invert
     
  3. Rule against
    "The Republicans were reversed when the House voted on the bill";
    - overrule, overturn, override, overthrow
     
  4. Cancel officially
    "He reversed the ban on smoking";
    - revoke, annul, lift, countermand, repeal, overturn, rescind, vacate
     
  5. Turn around the position, order, relation, or condition of
    "when forming a question, reverse the subject and the verb";
    - invert
     
  6. Move backwards, esp. drive a vehicle backwards
    - back up
Noun: reverse  ri'vurs
  1. A relation of direct opposition
    "we thought Sue was older than Bill but just the reverse was true";
    - contrary, opposite
     
  2. The gears by which the motion of a machine can be reversed
    - reverse gear
     
  3. An unfortunate happening that hinders or impedes; something that is thwarting or frustrating
    - reversal, setback, blow, black eye
     
  4. The side of a painting, print, coin, etc. that does not bear the principal design
    - verso
     
  5. (American football) a running play in which a back running in one direction hands the ball to a back running in the opposite direction
     
  6. Turning in the opposite direction
    - reversion, reversal, turnabout [N. Amer], turnaround
Adjective: reverse  ri'vurs
  1. Of the transmission gear causing backward movement in a motor vehicle
    "in reverse gear"
     
  2. Directed or moving toward the rear
    "a reverse glance";
    - rearward
     
  3. Reversed (turned backward) in order, nature or effect
    - inverse

Derived forms: reversing, reversed, reverses

See also: backward

Type of: alter, cancel, change, change of direction, decree, gear, gear mechanism, happening, modify, natural event, occurrence, occurrent, oppositeness, opposition, reorder, reorientation, rule, run, running, running game, running play, side, strike down

Antonym: forward, obverse

Part of: auto [informal], autocar [archaic], automobile [N. Amer], car, coin, motorcar, wheel [informal], whip [US, informal]

Encyclopedia: Reverse, Then Forward Again