reverse reverse /riːˈvɝːs/

adjective

1. () Directed or moving toward the rear  ( rearward , reverse )
   directed or moving toward the rear
    A rearward glance
   a rearward glance
    A rearward movement
   a rearward movement
   
2. Reversed (turned backward) in order, nature or effect  ( reverse , inverse )
   reversed (turned backward) in order, nature or effect
   
3. Of the transmission gear causing backward movement in a motor vehicle  ( reverse )
   of the transmission gear causing backward movement in a motor vehicle
    In reverse gear
   in reverse gear
   

noun

1. () The gears by which the motion of a machine can be reversed  ( reverse gear , reverse )
   the gears by which the motion of a machine can be reversed
   
   
2. () A relation of direct opposition  ( opposite , reverse , contrary )
   a relation of direct opposition
    We thought Sue was older than Bill but just the reverse was true
   we thought Sue was older than Bill but just the reverse was true
   
3. Turning in the opposite direction  ( reversal , reverse , reversion , turnabout [ N. American] , turnaround )
   turning in the opposite direction
    The driver had to reverse the car out of the parking space
   The driver had to reverse the car out of the parking space
   
4. (American football) a running play in which a back running in one direction hands the ball to a back running in the opposite direction  ( reverse )
   (American football) a running play in which a back running in one direction hands the ball to a back running in the opposite direction
   
5. The side of a coin or medal that does not bear the principal design  ( reverse , verso )
   the side of a coin or medal that does not bear the principal design
   
6. An unfortunate happening that hinders or impedes; something that is thwarting or frustrating  ( black eye , reversal , reverse , blow , setback )
   an unfortunate happening that hinders or impedes; something that is thwarting or frustrating
     The project faced a setback when funding fell through.
   The project faced a setback when funding fell through.
   

verb

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