right-about-face

1 of 2

intransitive verb

1
: to execute a right-about-face
2
: to turn to the right-about especially as a military maneuver

right-about-face

2 of 2

noun

"
: a complete reversal of attitude, point of view, or policy
another change in the party line, pretty nearly a right-about-faceUpton Sinclair

Word History

Etymology

Intransitive verb

from the imperative phrase right about face

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near right-about-face

Cite this Entry

“Right-about-face.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/right-about-face. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!