about-face

noun
UK: /əˈbaʊt.feɪs/
US: /əˈbaʊt.feɪs/

  1. A complete change of opinion or behavior.

    1. He did an about-face on the tax plan. [ ] [ ]
    2. The company made a complete about-face and apologized for the error, showing real progress. [ ] [ ]

Synonyms

reversal volte-face turnaround flip-flop
about-face verb

  1. To completely change your opinion or behavior.

    1. She about-faced on her decision. [ ] [ ]
    2. The politician about-faced and supported the measure, showing a change of heart. [ ] [ ]

  2. To turn in the opposite direction.

    1. The soldiers about-faced quickly. [ ] [ ]
    2. Upon hearing the command, the entire troop executed an about-face with precision. [ ] [ ]
about-face interjection

  1. Turn to face the opposite direction.

    1. About-face, march! [ ] [ ]
    2. The drill sergeant ordered an about-face during the parade rehearsal, it was unusual. [ ] [ ]

Frequently Asked Questions

The phonetic transcription of "about-face" is /əˈbaʊt.feɪs/ in British English and /əˈbaʊt.feɪs/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "about-face": reversal, volte-face, turnaround, flip-flop.

Example usage of "about-face": "He did an about-face on the tax plan.". More examples on the page.