godan verb (-ru), intransitive verb
General intransitive movement back to a previous place, state, or direction. Sense 1 (turn back halfway) is a specific case of returning before reaching a destination.
忘れ物をしたので家に戻った。
I went back home because I forgot something.
It started raining on the way, so I turned back and returned to the station.
godan verb (-ru), intransitive verb
be returned; recover; come back
Used when something lost or taken away returns to its original owner or place. Often appears with ～に or ～へ.
落とした財布が交番に戻っていた。
My lost wallet had been returned to the police box.
盗まれた自転車が持ち主の元に戻った。
The stolen bicycle was returned to its owner.
godan verb (-ru), intransitive verb
rebound; spring back
Describes an object returning to its original shape or position after being pressed, bent, or stretched. Less common than the other senses.
この素材は押してもすぐに元の形に戻る。
This material springs back to its original shape even when pressed.