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1re·verse Listen to audio/rɪˈvɚs/ verb
re·vers·es; re·versed; re·vers·ing
1 [+ obj] : to change (something) to an opposite state or condition
Our roles as caregiver and patient have been reversed. [=switched] The runners reversed their direction on the track. The Supreme Court reversed [=overturned] the decision. The college is trying to reverse the decline in applicants. [=the college is trying to get more people to apply] Had our situations been reversed [=if I had been in the situation that you were in], I would have done things differently.
2 [+ obj] : to cause (something, such as a process) to stop or return to an earlier state
We cannot reverse [=undo] the damage that is already done. The medicine may reverse the course of this disease. [=the medicine may stop this disease from getting worse] There is no way to reverse the aging process. The operation cannot be reversed. [=undone] Can anything reverse the trend toward higher prices?
3 [+ obj] a : to change the order or position of (two things or a series)
Reverse the i and e in recieve to spell receive correctly. My mother and I reversed our roles. Now I'm taking care of her. We're going to reverse our usual order and start with Z.
b : to switch the positions of the top and bottom or the front and back of (something)
You need to reverse the paper [=to turn the paper around] in the printer so that the letterhead is up. Reverse that painting [=turn that painting over] so that I can see the back.
4 chiefly Brit : to drive (a vehicle) backward [+ obj] Reverse [=(US) back, back up] the car into/out of the parking space. [no obj] Reverse [=(US) back, back up] into/out of the parking space. The car reversed. [=(US) backed up]
reverse the charges or reverse the charge
Brit : to arrange to have the cost of a phone call paid by the person who is called
He telephoned and reversed the charges. [=(US) he called collect]
reverse yourself
US, formal : to change your decision or opinion about something
The mayor has reversed himself on the issue of raising taxes.

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