reversal

[ ri-vur-suhl ]

noun

1. an act or instance of reversing.
2. the state of being reversed.
3. an adverse change of fortune; reverse.
4. Law. the setting aside of a decision of a lower court by a higher court.

reversal

/ rɪˈvɜːsəl /

noun

1. the act or an instance of reversing
2. a change for the worse; reverse

   a reversal of fortune

3. the state of being reversed
4. the annulment of a judicial decision, esp by an appeal court on grounds of error or irregularity

Other Words From

• prere·versal noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of reversal¹

First recorded in 1480–90; reverse + -al ²

Example Sentences

There was no new evidence that could have spurred a reversal in the three to four states that would have been necessary.

From Washington Post

Experts say deradicalization can be a long and winding process, full of reversals, and emphasize that formal programs are just one tool in a sprawling fight against an overwhelming problem.

From Washington Post

Blodget has still kept his eye on the stock market, though, and in a reversal from his former role, he has spent many years warning investors — particularly retail investors — about the dangers of speculating.

From Vox

Political experts will be studying the reasons for this stunning reversal for years to come.

From Fortune

This was the culmination of a speedy political reversal in Gwinnett.

From Fortune

The reversal shocked those who felt betrayed by the scientists, and who yelled “shame, shame” when the scientists were free.

From The Daily Beast

In a marked reversal from past elections, a majority of Asian-Americans went Republican, as did a third of Latino voters.

From The Daily Beast

New sanctions now would lead to the collapse of the talks and a reversal of progress already made.

From The Daily Beast

And he was not the only Sinaloa cartel informant to suffer an abrupt reversal of fortune with ICE.

From The Daily Beast

Now, in a cruel reversal of fate, they are the ones seeking shelter in a strange land.

From The Daily Beast

This decision meant a complete reversal of Swedish foreign policy and a breach with France.

From Project Gutenberg

It was all beyond him somehow, the reversal of rôles so afflicting, tears and laughter so oddly mingled.

From Project Gutenberg

The Directors had resolved to take further measures for obtaining, in England the reversal of his sentence.

From Project Gutenberg

The direction in which the armature rotates will change, due to the reversal in direction of the current through it.

From Project Gutenberg

But one does not see clearly either the utility or the possibility of such a reversal of rles in the human species.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• annulment
• cancellation
• repeal
• switch
• turnabout
• turnaround
• U-turn