godan verb (-su), intransitive verb
turn back; go back; retrace one's steps
Used when someone reverses direction, often abruptly or after realizing a mistake. Similar to 引き返す, but 引っ返す can carry a more forceful or colloquial nuance.
See also: 引き返す
忘れ物に気づいて、駅から家へ引っ返した。
Realizing I had forgotten something, I turned back from the station to my house.
This road is a dead end, so we have no choice but to turn back.