about-faces
/əˌbaʊtˈfeɪsɪz/
NOUN
1. An abrupt turn to face the opposite direction
A sudden 180-degree turn that changes the direction someone or something is facing.
1.1. Physical turns in the opposite direction
Refers to one or more abrupt half-turns in which a person or object turns to face the opposite direction.
Synonyms
- U-turns
- about-turns
- turnabouts
Antonyms
- straightenings
Related Words
- pivots
- reversals
- turnarounds
NOUN
2. A reversal in direction, attitude, or opinion
A significant change or reversal in direction, position, attitude, opinion, or policy.
2.1. Changes of opinion or personal attitude
Describes sudden changes in someone's beliefs, opinions, or personal positions.
Synonyms
- changes of heart
- flip-flops
- reversals
- turnabouts
- volte-faces
Examples
- She made several about-faces in her career before finding her true calling.
- His constant about-faces in decision-making eroded trust among his colleagues.
Related Words
- second thoughts
- recantations
- reconsiderations
- vacillations
2.2. Reversals of policies or strategic positions
Refers to significant changes in established policies, strategies, or official positions, particularly when the changes are sudden or repeated.
Synonyms
- U-turns
- about-turns
- reversals
- turnarounds
- flip-flops
Examples
- About-faces in company policies can sometimes lead to confusion among employees.
- The government's frequent about-faces in its foreign policy have raised concerns among diplomats.
Related Words
- policy changes
- countermanding
- rescinding
- reconsideration