/
rɪˈvəːs/
v.
- move backwards.
▸(of an engine) work in a contrary direction.
- turn the other way round or up or inside out.
- make the opposite of what it was:
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the damage done to the ozone layer may be reversed.
▸swap (positions or functions).
- Law revoke or annul (a judgement by a lower court or authority).
adj.
- going in or turned towards the opposite direction.
▸operating or behaving in a way opposite to that which is usual or expected.
- Geology denoting a fault in which a relative downward movement occurred in the strata on the underside of the fault plane.
n.
- a complete change of direction or action.
▸American Football a play in which the direction of attack is reversed.
- reverse gear.
-
(the reverse)
the opposite to that previously stated.
- a setback or defeat.
- the opposite side or face to the observer.
▸a left-hand page of an open book, or the back of a loose document.
▸the side of a coin or medal bearing the value or secondary design.
Phrase
- reverse arms
hold a rifle with the butt upwards. - reverse the charges
make the recipient of a telephone call responsible for payment.
Derivative
- reversely adv.
- reverser n.
Etymology
ME: from OFr. revers, reverse (n.), reverser (v.), from L. revers-, revertere ‘turn back’.
