reverse

reverse [ri vʉrs′]

adj.

[ME revers < OFr < L reversus, pp. of revertere: see REVERT]

1.

a) turned backward; opposite or contrary, as in position, direction, order, etc.

b) with the back showing or in view

2. reversing the usual effect so as to show white letters, etc. on a black background

3. acting or moving in a way or direction opposite or contrary to the usual

4. causing movement backward or in the opposite direction [reverse gear]

n.

1. the opposite or contrary of something

2. the back or rear of something; specif., the side, as of a coin or medal, that does not have the main design: opposed to OBVERSE

3. the act or an instance of reversing; change to the opposite

4. a change from good fortune to bad; defeat, check, or misfortune

5. a mechanism, etc. for reversing, as a gear arrangement in a transmission that causes a machine, motor vehicle, etc. to run backward or in the opposite direction

6. a reversing movement

☆ 7. Football a type of play in which a ball carrier running toward a sideline gives the ball to a teammate going the opposite way

vt.

reversed, reversing

1. to turn backward, in an opposite position or direction, upside down, or inside out

2. to change to the opposite; alter completely

3. to cause to go or move backward or in an opposite direction

4. to exchange or transpose

5. to transfer (the charges for a telephone call) to the party being called

6. Law to revoke or annul (a decision, judgment, etc.)

vi.

1. to move, go, or turn backward or in the opposite direction

2. to put a motor, engine, etc. in reverse; reverse the action of a mechanism

SYN.- OPPOSITE

reversely

adv.

reverser

n.