turn
verb [ I or T ]
uk/tɜːn/ usto change into something or make something change into something:
turn sth into sth These machines can turn a computer design into a 3-D prototype in minutes.
With some wise internet trading, he managed to turn $68,000 into $100,000 in three years.
to change direction, or to make something change direction:
The first quarter could see a further decline in retail customers, though executives said they were confident the trend will turn.
turn negative/positive Sales are expected to turn positive in the first quarter of next year.
turn higher/lower
turn sth on its head
to make something the opposite of what it was previously:
The internet turned the world of flight booking on its head.
turn a profit
FINANCE
to make a profit:
The business was set up five years ago but is still struggling to turn a profit.
turn sth to your advantage
to find a way of getting something positive out of a bad situation:
Experienced long-term investors can turn an economic downturn to their advantage.
turn your back on sth
to refuse to be involved in something that you were previously involved in:
He said the country could not turn its back on globalization.
Phrasal verbs
turn around
turn down
turn sb/sth down
turn in sth
turn sth out
turn over
turn over sth
turn sth over to sb/sth
turn to sb/sth
turn
noun
uk/tɜːn/ us [ S ] FINANCE, ECONOMICS
a change in the way something such as prices, rates, or the economy is behaving:
It is too early to know whether the economy has reached a turn in the cycle.
take a turn for the better/worse Media stocks took a turn for the better.
bad/downward/upward turn The figures have taken a downward turn.
[ C ] FINANCE, STOCK MARKET
the profit from an investment:
The shares were picked up by investors looking to make a quick turn on their money.
[ C ] STOCK MARKET, FINANCE
the difference between a trader’s buying price and selling price for particular shares, currencies, etc.
See also
spread noun