/ ˈɪnwəd; NAmE -wərd/ adjective , adverb
■ adjective
1.
[ only before noun ] inside your mind and not shown to other people :
an inward smile
Her calm expression hid her inward panic.
2.
towards the inside or centre of sth :
an inward flow
an inward curve
OPP outward
■ adverb (also in·wards especially in BrE )
1.
towards the inside or centre :
The door opens inwards.
2.
towards yourself and your interests :
Her thoughts turned inwards.
( disapproving )
an inward-looking person (= one who is not interested in other people)
OPP outwards
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WORD ORIGIN
Old English inweard , inneweard , innanweard (see in , -ward ).