Definition

1. Noun:
   • The act of deliberately avoiding something or someone; the act of keeping away from or preventing something from happening: "turning away" refers to the conscious action of avoidance or prevention.

Usage

• As a noun: Used to describe the act of avoidance or rejection. It often implies a deliberate choice to not engage, accept, or allow something.
  • His turning away from the offer was a surprise to everyone.
  • The turning away of refugees at the border sparked an international debate.

Examples

• Noun:
  • Her turning away from unhealthy habits improved her life.
  • The company's turning away from plastic packaging was praised by environmentalists.
  • I was hurt by his sudden turning away when I needed help.

Advanced Usage

• "A turning away from": This phrase is commonly used to indicate a shift in direction, interest, or allegiance, often from something previously embraced.
  • There has been a noticeable turning away from traditional media among younger audiences.
  • The artist's new work represents a turning away from his earlier style.

Variants and Related Words

• Turn away (phrasal verb): To refuse admittance or help; to send someone away; to move so as not to face something.
  • The shelter could not turn away any homeless person on a cold night.
  • She turned away to hide her tears.

Synonyms

• Avoidance: The action of keeping away from or not doing something.
• Rejection: The dismissing or refusing of a proposal, idea, etc.
• Shunning: Persistently avoiding, ignoring, or rejecting someone or something.

Related Phrases

• To give someone the cold shoulder: To intentionally ignore someone or treat them in an unfriendly way. (This is an idiom related to the concept of "turning away").
  • After the argument, she gave him the cold shoulder for a week.

Noun

1. deliberately avoiding; keeping away from or preventing from happening