left face

¹

interjection

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

left-face

²

[ left-feys ]

noun

1. a 90° turn to the left, especially as a marching command.

verb (used without object)

, left-faced, left-fac·ing.

1. to execute a left-face.

Word History and Origins

Origin of left face¹

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

Marine Corps insignia, was left face down, partially under Mogen’s body and the comforter, the new court filing detailed.

From Seattle Times

A trooper can later be seen dragging the heavyset Greene by his ankle shackles and he is left face down for more than nine minutes before he eventually goes limp.

From Seattle Times

Many of those who have not left face fines or even jail.

From New York Times

When the film showed a Klan recruit pivoting right when the drill master shouted, "Left face," the audience erupted in "cheers, jeers, catcalls and guffaws."

From Salon

Those papers that are left face a precipitous drop in advertising, which has migrated to Google and Facebook.

From Washington Post