reverse
reverse Lexical Profile
reverse Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Going in, facing, or organized in the opposite direction, order, or sequence from what is usual.
"Please list your previous employers in reverse chronological order on the application form."
• noun
A complete change of direction, order, or action; the exact opposite or contrary of something.
"She expected him to be angry about the delay, but quite the reverse was true."
A mechanical gear setting in a motor vehicle that allows it to move backward.
"He checked his mirrors carefully before shifting the transmission into reverse."
The back or less prominent side of an object, especially a coin, medal, or sheet of paper.
"The commemorative coin features a portrait of the monarch on the front and a soaring eagle on the reverse."
An adverse change of fortune; a setback, defeat, or failure.
"After suffering several financial reverses early in the decade, the company restructured its operations."
• verb
To move backward or cause a vehicle or mechanism to move in the opposite direction.
"She slowly reversed the delivery van into the narrow loading bay."
To turn something the other way around, inside out, or upside down, or to exchange two positions or roles.
"If we reverse the two cables, the audio signal should flow to the correct speaker."
To undo, annul, or overturn a previous decision, policy, trend, or legal ruling.
"The appellate court voted unanimously to reverse the lower court's ruling."
• Rhymes for reverse
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the 14th century from Old French 'revers', from Latin 'reversus', the past participle of 'revertere' (to turn back or return), formed from 're-' (back) and 'vertere' (to turn).