about-face

Meaning

1. noun An abrupt turn to face the opposite direction.

   The soldier did an about-face and marched off.

2. noun A reversal in direction; a reversal of attitude or opinion.

   When Luke heard the news, he did an abrupt about-face on the policy.

3. verb To turn 180 degrees to face the opposite direction.

   The soldiers would about-face immediately after the order was given.

4. verb To change opinion or attitude drastically.

   A politician will about-face at the drop of a hat if he thinks there are votes in it.

Similar words

about turn volte-face reversal policy change about-turn u-turn turnaround turn upturn turnover

Word family

about-faced about-faces about-facing