About-face

Pronunciation

• US IPA: /əˈbaÊŠtËŒfeɪs/

Alternative forms

• about face

Origin

• First attested in 1861.
• First used in the imperative in the military.
• about + face

Full definition of about-face

Noun

1. (military) An abrupt turn to face the opposite direction.The soldier did an about-face and marched off.
2. A reversal in direction; reversal of attitude or opinion.When Luke heard the news, he did an abrupt about-face on the policy.

Verb

1. (intransitive) To turn 180 degrees to face the opposite direction;The soldiers would about-face immediately after the order was given.
2. 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.