What does about-face mean?

Definitions for about-face
əˈbaʊtˌfeɪs, əˈbaʊtˈfeɪs; əˌbaʊtˈfeɪsabout-face

This dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word about-face.

Princeton's WordNet

  1. about-face, about turnnoun

    act of pivoting 180 degrees, especially in a military formation

  2. about-face, volte-face, reversal, policy changeverb

    a major change in attitude or principle or point of view

    "an about-face on foreign policy"

  3. about-faceverb

    turn, usually 180 degrees

  4. about-faceverb

    change one's mind and assume the opposite viewpoint

Wiktionary

  1. about-facenoun

    An abrupt turn to face the opposite direction.

    The soldier did an about-face and marched off.

  2. about-facenoun

    A reversal in direction; reversal of attitude or opinion.

    When Luke heard the news, he did an abrupt about-face on the policy.

  3. about-faceverb

    To turn 180 degrees to face the opposite direction;

    The soldiers would about-face immediately after the order was given.

  4. about-faceverb

    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.

  5. Etymology: * First attested in 1861.

ChatGPT

  1. about-face

    An about-face is a complete change of opinion or policy, often in the opposite direction. It also refers to a military movement in which a person turns to face the opposite direction.

  2. about-face

    An about-face refers to a complete change of direction, attitude, or point of view, usually to the exact opposite. This term is initially a military order, commanding people to turn around to face the opposite direction.

  3. about-face

    An about-face is a complete reversal of direction, attitude, or point of view. It originated from a military command where soldiers are instructed to turn around so they're facing the opposite direction. It's often used metaphorically to discuss policies, decisions, or attitudes that have radically changed.

  4. about-face

    An about-face refers to a complete and sudden change in behavior, opinion, or direction which is often quite contrary or opposite to the previous one. It originates from military language meaning to turn and march in the opposite direction.

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Numerology

  1. Chaldean Numerology

    The numerical value of about-face in Chaldean Numerology is: 1

  2. Pythagorean Numerology

    The numerical value of about-face in Pythagorean Numerology is: 2

Examples of about-face in a Sentence

  1. Nurul Izzah:

    I think I have no choice - I mean, I will face it, fight back, as we have done before.

  2. The Sanders campaign:

    The Democratic National Committee on Friday capitulated and agreed to reinstate Sen. Bernie Sanders' campaign's access to a critically-important voter database, the about face came late on Friday night as a deadline neared for a hearing on a motion for an emergency injunction which the Sanders campaign sought after he sued the party in U.S. District Court in Washington.

  3. George Orwell:

    At age 50, every man has the face he deserves.

  4. Samuel Alito:

    In sum, the concurrence’s quest for a middle way would only put off the day when we would be forced to confront the question we now decide. The turmoil wrought by Roe and Casey would be prolonged, it is far better—for this Court and the country—to face up to the real issue without further delay.

  5. Kosuke Shiramizu:

    The Toyota way is the high-cost way, keiretsu doesn’t work anymore. If we stick with it, Daihatsu won't survive. Toyota might face a similar fate, too.


Translations for about-face

From our Multilingual Translation Dictionary

  • [[tehdä]] [[täyskäännös]], täyskäännösFinnish
  • faire demi-tour, demi-tour, faire volte-face, revirement, volte-faceFrench
  • fare dietrofront, fare il voltagabbana, banderuola, fare il voltafaccia, dietro front, voltafaccia, voltagabbana, dietrofrontItalian
  • meia-voltaPortuguese
  • кругомRussian
  • 關於臉Chinese

Get even more translations for about-face »

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"about-face." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2025. Web. 4 Mar. 2025. <https://www.definitions.net/definition/about-face>.

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