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

the candidate's frequent about-faces on issues disturbs many voters
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Roche said that the Trump administration’s about-face on Ukraine dramatically increases the risk of Chinese military action against Taiwan. Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 28 Feb. 2025 The about-face followed criticism from the families of first responders to the attacks who were frustrated that research into the long-term effects of toxins from the debris would be halted. Brian Bennett, TIME, 27 Feb. 2025 In her interview, Nuñez talked about FIU’s potential, her about-face on tuition aid for Dreamers and the funding squeeze the school is already feeling from President Donald Trump’s second term in the White House. Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2025 The recent about-face on approval of the HPE-Juniper merger by United States authorities is a prime example. R. Scott Raynovich, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for about-face

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“About-face.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/about-face. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.

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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