1.
to look back at, to glance back
To turn around and look at someone or something, or to look at something again to review it.
彼女は振り向いて見返した。
She turned around and looked back.
メモを見返して間違いに気づいた。
I looked over my notes again and noticed a mistake.
昔の写真を見返すと、懐かしい気持ちになる。
Looking back at old photos makes me feel nostalgic.
2.
to get even with, to prove someone wrong, to show them
To succeed and prove wrong those who doubted or looked down on you. A highly motivational usage implying vindication through achievement.
いつか見返してやる。
I'll show them someday.
バカにした人たちを見返したい。
I want to prove wrong the people who made fun of me.
努力して成功し、周りを見返した。
I worked hard, succeeded, and proved everyone wrong.
USAGE:
Sense 2 (to get even / prove someone wrong) is very common in motivational contexts. The pattern 〜を見返してやる expresses determination to succeed and vindicate oneself. The てやる ending adds a combative or defiant tone.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 見返してやる: I'll show them (determined)
- 周りを見返す: to prove everyone around you wrong
- メモを見返す: to review one's notes
- 過去を見返す: to look back on the past
- 写真を見返す: to look back through photos