about face

¹

interjection

1. (used as a military command to perform an about-face.)

about-face

²

[ noun uh-bout-feys, uh-bout-feys; verb uh-bout-feys ]

noun

1. Military. a turn of 180° from the position of attention.
2. a complete, sudden change in position, direction, principle, attitude, etc.:

   They've done an about-face in their foreign policy.

verb (used without object)

, a·bout-faced, a·bout-fac·ing.

1. to execute an about face.
2. to turn in the opposite direction.
3. to switch to an opposite opinion.

Word History and Origins

Origin of about face¹

An Americanism dating back to 1860–65

Origin of about face²

An Americanism dating back to 1860–65

Example Sentences

“JohnFetterman saw veterans getting arrested and laughed,” the veterans group About Face posted Thursday on social media alongside a video of the Pennsylvania Democrat walking and waving the flag.

From Washington Times

The abrupt about face by a public broadcaster notorious for its often vicious, one-sided coverage reflected Poland’s febrile political atmosphere as loyalists of the defeated Law and Justice party scramble to keep their jobs by presenting themselves as victims of persecution and of a compromised election.

From New York Times

Tells us, @_timhernandez, what was the moment you realized you needed an about face?

From Washington Times

Treating people who use opioids as deserving of the same right to healthcare as any other American demands an about face to the way methadone is delivered.

From Salon

Alleged "originalists" on today's Supreme Court, who claim to hew to the original meaning of the Constitution, did an about face on the 2nd Amendment.

From Salon

Related Words

• policy change
• reversal
• turnabout
• turnaround
• U-turn