1
: a 180° turn to the right from the position of attention
2
: a reversal of direction
3
: a reversal of attitude, behavior, or point of view
about-face intransitive verb

Examples of about-face in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In a quick about-face, Boeing’s BA -0.1% F-15 business development director amended his claim about the F-15EX’ top speed late last Friday. Eric Tegler, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 But introducing the about-face of this back story — and Alfie — after two hours of Bella’s misadventures would be a considerable challenge for McNamara. Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 23 Feb. 2024 General Motors’ about-face on plug-in hybrids is good news for the company, its customers and the environment. Detroit Free Press, 3 Feb. 2024 The show simply did not earn this about-face on Stannis’s part. Erik Kain, Forbes, 9 Feb. 2024 Schumer did not directly rule out the proposal, but said Democrats were angry and frustrated with Republicans’ about-face on a deal the GOP had explicitly requested. Liz Goodwin, Washington Post, 7 Feb. 2024 The agency’s about-face raised eyebrows across Washington. Michael McCaul, National Review, 7 Feb. 2024 Given David’s about-face, The Hollywood Reporter has reached out to a rep for Elmo for a response. Kevin Dolak, The Hollywood Reporter, 2 Feb. 2024 This year, though, her dreams have been punctured by a governmental about-face. Stefano Pozzebon, CNN, 1 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'about-face.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

from the imperative phrase about face, from about entry 1 + face entry 2

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of about-face was in 1835

Dictionary Entries Near about-face

Cite this Entry

“About-face.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/about-face. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

about-face

noun
ə-ˈbau̇t-ˈfās
1
: a reversal of direction
2
: a reversal of attitude or point of view
about-face verb

More from Merriam-Webster on about-face

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