aboutface

An about-face is a complete reversal of position, opinion, or policy. In military usage, the term refers to the drill command that orders a unit to turn and face the opposite direction, a 180-degree pivot. In general language, it denotes a total reversal in stance rather than a gradual change.

Etymology: The phrase originates from military drill vocabulary. The imperative "about-face" is used to instruct personnel to pivot to the rear. The noun form "an about-face" has become common in English, and the hyphenated spelling "about-face" is widely accepted; some older or style guides also appear with "about face" or "aboutface" less commonly.

Usage: An about-face can describe changes in policy, opinion, or strategy by individuals, organizations, or governments. It implies a decisive and often abrupt change, contrasted with a gradual shift. The sentence "The administration made an about-face on its stance" illustrates usage; "to do an about-face" is a common construction, though "to about-face" as a verb is informal.

Contexts: In politics and business, an about-face frequently follows new information, public pressure, or a shift in leadership. It may provoke debate about credibility or consistency, but can also reflect adaptability or responsiveness.

Related terms include volte-face, U-turn, and flip-flop. See also: reversal, policy reversal, and the concept of strategic realignment.