move backward, change to the opposite direction or course, an opposite or contrary reaction, event, or outcome

reverse the charges, reverse one's decision, reverse course

in reverse, reverse psychology, reverse gear

Formal and Informal Expressions of reverse

In different contexts, you can replace 'reverse' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'invert, contrary, opposite' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'flip, back up, do a 180' is a commonplace synonym.

reverse: Explore its Definition & Usage

reverse Definition

1move backward
2change to the opposite direction or course
3an opposite or contrary reaction, event, or outcome

Using reverse: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "reverse" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
He reversed the car into the garage.
Example
The company decided to reverse its decision.
Example
The medicine had the reverse effect on her.
Example
The team suffered a reverse in their fortunes.

reverse Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for reverse

Antonyms for reverse

Idioms Using reverse

reverse the charges
to arrange for a telephone call to be paid for by the person who receives it, rather than the person who makes it
Example
I don't have any money, so can you reverse the charges?
reverse one's decision
to change one's mind about something
Example
After thinking it over, she decided to reverse her decision and take the job.
reverse course
to change direction or make a U-turn
Example
The ship had to reverse course to avoid the storm.

Phrases with reverse

in reverse
moving backward
Example
She parked the car in reverse.
reverse psychology
a technique involving the advocacy of a belief or behavior that is opposite to the one desired, with the expectation that this approach will encourage the subject of the persuasion to do what actually is desired
Example
She used reverse psychology to get her son to eat his vegetables.
reverse gear
a gear in a vehicle's transmission that causes it to move backward
Example
He shifted the car into reverse gear and backed out of the driveway.

Origins of reverse

from Old French 'revers', from Latin 'revertere', meaning 'turn back'

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Summary: reverse in Brief

The term 'reverse' [rɪˈvɜːs] can be a verb, noun, or adjective. As a verb, it means to move backward or change to the opposite direction or course. As a noun, it refers to an opposite or contrary reaction, event, or outcome. Examples include 'He reversed the car into the garage,' and 'The team suffered a reverse in their fortunes.' 'Reverse' extends into phrases like 'in reverse,' and idioms like 'reverse psychology,' denoting a technique involving the advocacy of a belief or behavior that is opposite to the one desired.