Definitions for the word "reverse" from multiple English dictionaries.
1. a.
Turned backward; having a contrary or opposite direction; hence; opposite or contrary in kind; as, the reverse order or method.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. a.
Turned upside down; greatly disturbed.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. a.
Reversed; as, a reverse shell.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. a.
That which appears or is presented when anything, as a lance, a line, a course of conduct, etc., is reverted or turned contrary to its natural direction.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. a.
That which is directly opposite or contrary to something else; a contrary; an opposite.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
6. a.
The act of reversing; complete change; reversal; hence, total change in circumstances or character; especially, a change from better to worse; misfortune; a check or defeat; as, the enemy met with a reverse.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
7. a.
The back side; as, the reverse of a drum or trench; the reverse of a medal or coin, that is, the side opposite to the obverse. See Obverse.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
8. a.
A thrust in fencing made with a backward turn of the hand; a backhanded stroke.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
9. a.
A turn or fold made in bandaging, by which the direction of the bandage is changed.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
10. a.
To turn back; to cause to face in a contrary direction; to cause to depart.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
11. a.
To cause to return; to recall.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
12. a.
To change totally; to alter to the opposite.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
13. a.
To turn upside down; to invert.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
14. a.
Hence, to overthrow; to subvert.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
15. a.
To overthrow by a contrary decision; to make void; to under or annual for error; as, to reverse a judgment, sentence, or decree.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
16. v. i.
To return; to revert.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
17. v. i.
To become or be reversed.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
18. v.
(-sing) 1 turn the other way round or up or inside out. 2 change to the opposite character or effect. 3 (cause to) travel backwards. 4 make (an engine etc.) Work in a contrary direction. 5 revoke or annul (a decree, act, etc.). adj. 1 backwards or upside down. 2 opposite or contrary in character or order; inverted. n. 1 opposite or contrary (the reverse is the case). 2 contrary of the usual manner (printed in reverse). 3 piece of misfortune; disaster; defeat. 4 reverse gear or motion. 5 reverse side. 6 side of a coin etc. Bearing the secondary design. 7 verso of a printed leaf. reverse arms hold a rifle with the butt upwards. Reverse the charges have the recipient of a telephone call pay for it. reversal n. Reversible adj. [latin verto vers- turn]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
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Additional Info
This page provides a list of definitions and meanings for "reverse" from various historical English dictionaries. By displaying multiple definitions, you can compare and
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