volte-face

volte–face

noun \ˌvȯlt-ˈfäs, ˌvȯl-tə-\

Definition of VOLTE-FACE

: a reversal in policy : about-face

Origin of VOLTE-FACE

French, from Italian voltafaccia, from voltare to turn + faccia face, from Vulgar Latin *facia — more at volt, face

First Known Use: 1819

Related to VOLTE-FACE

Synonyms: about-turn [British], flip-flop, reversal, turnabout, turnaround, U-turn, volte-face

Related Words: bait and switch, switcheroo; denial, disaffirmance, disavowal, disownment, recantation, renunciation, repudiation, retraction; reconsideration, retreat, second thought; hesitation, indecision, irresolution, shilly-shallying, vacillation, wavering, wobbling (also wabbling)

[+]more[-]hide