reverse - Definition | Dictionary definition of reverse

Definition of reverse

Verbs

change to the contrary

"The trend was reversed"

Synonyms:: change by reversal, turn

Types:: show 35 types...; hide 35 types...; alternate, flip, flip-flop, interchange, switch, tack
reverse (a direction, attitude, or course of action); turn the tables, turn the tide
cause a complete reversal of the circumstances; commutate
reverse the direction of (an alternating electric current) each half cycle so as to produce a unidirectional current; exchange, switch, switch over
change over, change around, as to a new order or sequence; correct, rectify, right
make right or correct; amend, rectify, remediate, remedy, repair
set straight or right; debug
locate and correct errors in a computer program code; falsify
falsify knowingly; commute, permute, transpose
change the order or arrangement of; map, represent
to establish a mapping (of mathematical elements or sets); metamorphose, transfigure, transmogrify
change completely the nature or appearance of; regress, retrovert, return, revert, turn back
go back to a previous state; fall back, lapse, recidivate, regress, relapse, retrogress
go back to bad behavior; resile
return to the original position or state after being stretched or compressed; go back, recover, recuperate
regain a former condition after a financial loss; desynchronise, desynchronize
cause to become desynchronized; cause to occur at unrelated times; deconsecrate, desecrate, unhallow
remove the consecration from a person or an object; undo
cancel, annul, or reverse an action or its effect; unbrace, unlace, untie
undo the ties of; unstrap
remove the strap or straps from; unhitch
unfasten or release from or as if from a hitch; unpick
undo (the stitches) of (a piece of sewing); unfasten
cause to become undone; unbelt
undo the belt of; unstaple
take the staples off; unclip
remove the clip from; unbutton
undo the buttons of; unpin
remove the pins from; unfasten the pins of; disconnect, unplug
pull the plug of (electrical appliances) and render inoperable; unbraid
undo the braids of; unknot, unpick, unravel, unscramble, untangle
become or cause to become undone by separating the fibers or threads of; disentangle, unwind
separate the tangles of; unbuckle
undo the buckle of; open, spread, spread out, unfold
spread out or open from a closed or folded state; unwire
undo the wiring of

Type of:: change
undergo a change; become different in essence; losing one's or its original nature

turn inside out or upside down

Synonyms:: invert, turn back

Type of:: alter, change, modify
cause to change; make different; cause a transformation

rule against

Synonyms:: override, overrule, overthrow, overturn

Type of:: decree, rule
decide with authority

cancel officially

Synonyms:: annul, countermand, lift, overturn, repeal, rescind, revoke, vacate

Types:: go back on, renege, renege on, renegue on
fail to fulfill a promise or obligation

Type of:: cancel, strike down
declare null and void; make ineffective

reverse the position, order, relation, or condition of

Synonyms:: invert

Type of:: reorder
assign a new order to

Adjectives

directed or moving toward the rear

Synonyms:: rearward; backward
directed or facing toward the back or rear

of the transmission gear causing backward movement in a motor vehicle

"in reverse gear"

Antonyms:: forward
of the transmission gear causing forward movement in a motor vehicle

reversed (turned backward) in order or nature or effect

Synonyms:: inverse; backward
directed or facing toward the back or rear

Nouns

a relation of direct opposition

"we thought Sue was older than Bill but just the reverse was true"

Synonyms:: contrary, opposite

Type of:: oppositeness, opposition
the relation between opposed entities

the gears by which the motion of a machine can be reversed

Synonyms:: reverse gear

Type of:: gear, gear mechanism
a mechanism for transmitting motion for some specific purpose (as the steering gear of a vehicle)

an unfortunate happening that hinders or impedes; something that is thwarting or frustrating

Synonyms:: black eye, blow, reversal, setback

Types:: whammy
a serious or devastating setback

Type of:: happening, natural event, occurrence, occurrent
an event that happens

the side of a coin or medal that does not bear the principal design

Synonyms:: verso

Antonyms:: obverse
the side of a coin or medal bearing the principal stamp or design

Types:: tail
(usually plural) the reverse side of a coin that does not bear the representation of a person's head

Type of:: side
an extended outer surface of an object

(American football) a running play in which a back running in one direction hands the ball to a back running in the opposite direction

Types:: double reverse
(American football) a running play in which a first reverse is followed by a second reverse

Type of:: run, running, running game, running play
(American football) a play in which a player attempts to carry the ball through or past the opposing team

turning in the opposite direction