Definitions for about-faceəˈbaʊtˌfeɪs, əˈbaʊtˈfeɪs; əˌbaʊtˈfeɪs
Random House Webster's College Dictionary
about′ face′(interj.)
(used as a military command to perform an about-face.)
Category: Military
Origin of about face:
1860–65
a•bout-faceəˈbaʊtˌfeɪs, əˈbaʊtˈfeɪs; əˌbaʊtˈfeɪs(n.; v.)-faced, -fac•ing.
(n.)(in close-order drill) a 180° turn from the position of attention.
Category: Military
a complete change in position, direction or attitude.
(v.i.)to perform an about-face.
Origin of about-face:
1860–65, Amer.
Princeton's WordNet
about-face, about turn(noun)
act of pivoting 180 degrees, especially in a military formation
about-face, volte-face, reversal, policy change(verb)
a major change in attitude or principle or point of view
"an about-face on foreign policy"
about-face(verb)
turn, usually 180 degrees
about-face(verb)
change one's mind and assume the opposite viewpoint
Wiktionary
about-face(Noun)
An abrupt turn to face the opposite direction.
The soldier did an about-face and marched off.
about-face(Noun)
A reversal in direction; reversal of attitude or opinion.
When Luke heard the news, he did an abrupt about-face on the policy.
about-face(Verb)
To turn 180 degrees to face the opposite direction;
The soldiers would about-face immediately after the order was given.
about-face(Verb)
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.
Origin: * First attested in 1861.
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