reverse

reverse · adjective, adverb, noun¹

1. Latin · derived fromreversus
2. Middle French · derived fromrevers
3. Anglo-Norman · derived fromrevers
4. Middle English · inherited fromrevers
5. English todayreverse

From Middle English revers, from Anglo-Norman revers, Middle French revers, and their source, Latin reversus, perfect passive participle of reversō, from re- + versō. Doublet of revers.

reverse · verb²

1. Latin · derived fromreversō
2. Middle French · derived fromreverser
3. Anglo-Norman · derived fromreverser
4. Middle English · inherited fromreversen
5. English todayreverse

From Middle English reversen, from Anglo-Norman reverser, Middle French reverser, and their source, Latin reversō, from re- + versō.

First known use, by meaning

• from 14th c. Opposite, contrary; going in the opposite direction.
• from 19th c. Pertaining to engines, vehicle movement etc. moving in a direction opposite to the usual direction.
• from 16ᵗʰc. (from the 14ᵗʰc. in Middle English) In a reverse way or direction; in reverse; upside-down.
• from 14th c. The opposite of something.
• from 15th c. The act of going backwards; a reversal.
• from 16th c. A piece of misfortune; a setback.
• from 17th c. The tails side of a coin, or the side of a medal or badge that is opposite the obverse.
• from 18th c. The side of something facing away from a viewer, or from what is considered the front; the other side.