Definition of "about-face" in English

noun

1. (military) An abrupt turn to face the opposite direction.

   • The soldier did an about-face and marched off.

2. (figurative) A reversal in direction; a reversal of attitude or opinion.

   • When Luke heard the news, he did an abrupt about-face on the policy.

verb

1. (intransitive) To turn 180 degrees to face the opposite direction.

   • The soldiers would about-face immediately after the order was given.

2. To change opinion or attitude drastically.

   • A politician will about-face at the drop of a hat if he thinks there are votes in it.