reverse meaning and definition

REVERSE noun

Definition of reverse (noun)

1. a relation of direct opposition
   • "we thought Sue was older than Bill but just the reverse was true"
   • synonyms: contrary, opposite
2. the gears by which the motion of a machine can be reversed
   • synonyms: reverse gear
3. an unfortunate happening that hinders or impedes; something that is thwarting or frustrating
   • synonyms: black eye, blow, reversal, setback
4. the side of a coin or medal that does not bear the principal design
   • synonyms: verso
   • antonym: obverse
5. (American football) a running play in which a back running in one direction hands the ball to a back running in the opposite direction
6. turning in the opposite direction
   • synonyms: reversal, reversion, turnabout, turnaround

REVERSE verb

Definition of reverse (verb)

1. change to the contrary
   • "The trend was reversed"; "the tides turned against him"; "public opinion turned when it was revealed that the president had an affair with a White House intern"
   • synonyms: change by reversal, turn
2. turn inside out or upside down
   • synonyms: invert, turn back
3. rule against
   • "The Republicans were overruled when the House voted on the bill"
   • synonyms: override, overrule, overthrow, overturn
4. cancel officially
   • "He revoked the ban on smoking"; "lift an embargo"; "vacate a death sentence"
   • synonyms: annul, countermand, lift, overturn, repeal, rescind, revoke, vacate
5. reverse the position, order, relation, or condition of
   • "when forming a question, invert the subject and the verb"
   • synonyms: invert

REVERSE adjective

Definition of reverse (adjective)

1. directed or moving toward the rear
   • "a rearward glance"; "a rearward movement"
   • synonyms: rearward
2. of the transmission gear causing backward movement in a motor vehicle
   • "in reverse gear"
   • antonym: forward
3. reversed (turned backward) in order or nature or effect
   • synonyms: inverse