about-face
UK[əˌbaʊtˈfeɪs]US[əˌbaʊtˈfeɪs]
n
A complete change of opinion, plan, or behavior.
v
To turn around to face the opposite direction; to make a complete change of opinion or policy.
Morpheme Breakdown
about
face
about
around
face
the front part of the head
Etymology
The term 'about-face' is a military command, originating in the early 19th century, instructing soldiers to turn 180 degrees to face the opposite direction. It is a transparent compound of the English words 'about', implying a reversal or turning around, and 'face', denoting the front orientation of the body. The literal, physical command evolved metaphorically by the early 20th century to describe any sudden and complete reversal in stance, opinion, or strategy. This semantic extension leverages the core imagery of turning one's front completely away from a previous position.
Analysis
Structure: about + face
- about: From Old English 'abūtan' (on the outside, around). In this compound, it functions as an adverb meaning 'around' or 'to the opposite direction'.
- face: From Old French 'face', from Latin 'facies' (form, appearance, face). In this compound, it functions as a noun meaning 'the front part of the head'.
Examples
The government's sudden about-face on the tax policy surprised everyone.
The sergeant barked the order, "About face!" and the platoon turned in unison.
The company did an about-face and decided to invest in renewable energy after years of criticism.