Dictionary Home » Dictionary Definitions » face

face

Listen See in Thesaurus See in a sentence

Face is the front part of the head and the front surface of anything. (noun)

An example of face is the combination of eyes, ears, mouth and nose.
An example of face is the part of the clock that displays the time.

Face means to turn toward someone or something, or to acknowledge and confront. (verb)

An example of face is for students to look at the teacher.
An example of face is for a person to deal with his greatest fear.

See face in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

the front of the head from the top of the forehead to the bottom of the chin, and from ear to ear; visage; countenance
the expression of the countenance
a surface of a thing; esp.,
1. the front, upper, or outer surface or part
2. any one of the surfaces of a geometric figure or crystal
the side or surface that is marked, as of a clock, playing card, domino, etc., or that is finished, as of fabric, leather, etc.
the appearance; outward aspect; semblance
facial makeup; cosmetics: used chiefly in the phrases and
dignity; self-respect; prestige
used chiefly in the phrase lose (or save) face
the topography (of an area)
the functional or striking surface (of a tool, golf club, etc.)
what is shown by the language of a document, without explanation or addition
Informal effrontery; audacity
Mining the end of a tunnel, drift, etc., where work is being done
Printing
1. the type surface on which a letter is cut; printing part of a letter or plate
2. the full selection of type of a certain design

transitive verb faced, facing

to turn, or have the face or front turned, toward: the building faces the square
to meet or confront squarely or face to face
to confront with boldness, courage, etc.
to acknowledge and accept (facts, the truth, etc.)
to put another material on the surface of
to level and smooth the surface of (esp. a block of stone)
to turn (a card, etc.) with the face up
Mil. to cause (a formation of soldiers) to pivot by giving the appropriate command
Sewing to apply a facing to (a collar, edge, etc.)

intransitive verb

to turn, or have the face turned, toward a specified thing or person, or in a specified direction
Mil. to pivot in a specified direction: usually in the form of a command: right face!

See face in American Heritage Dictionary 4

(fās)

noun

a. The surface of the front of the head from the top of the forehead to the base of the chin and from ear to ear.
b. A person: We saw many new faces on the first day of classes.
A person's countenance: a happy face.
A contorted facial expression; a grimace: made a face at the prospect of eating lemons.
Facial cosmetics: put one's face on.
Outward appearance: the modern face of the city.
a. Value or standing in the eyes of others; prestige: lose face.
b. Self-assurance; confidence: The team managed to maintain a firm face even in times of great adversity.
Effrontery; impudence: had the face to question my judgment.
The most significant or prominent surface of an object, especially:
a. The surface presented to view; the front.
b. A façade.
c. Outer surface: the face of the earth.
d. A marked side: the face of a clock; the face of a playing card.
e. The right side, as of fabric.
f. An exposed, often precipitous surface of rock.
A planar surface of a geometric solid.
Any of the surfaces of a rock or crystal.
The end, as of a mine or tunnel, at which work is advancing.
The appearance and geologic surface features of an area of land; topography.
Printing
a. A typeface or range of typefaces.
b. The raised printing surface of a piece of type.

verb faced faced, fac·ing, fac·es

verb, transitive

To occupy a position with the face toward: stood and faced the audience.
To front on: a window that faces the south.
a. To confront with complete awareness: had to face the facts.
b. To overcome by confronting boldly or bravely: “What this generation must do is face its problems” (John F. Kennedy).
c. To confront with impudence. See Synonyms at defy.
a. To be certain to encounter; have in store: An unskilled youth faces a difficult life.
b. To bring or to be brought face to face with: “The prospect of military conflict . . . faced us with nightmarish choices” (Henry A. Kissinger).
To cause (troops) to change direction by giving a command.
Games To turn (a playing card) so that the face is up.
To furnish with a surface or cover of a different material: bronze that is faced with gold foil.
To line or trim the edge of, especially with contrasting material: face a hem with lace.
To treat the surface of so as to smooth.

verb, intransitive

To be turned or placed with the front toward a specified direction.
To turn the face in a specified direction.

Phrasal Verbs: face down To attain mastery over or overcome by confronting in a resolute, determined manner: face down an opponent in a debate; faced the enemy down. face off Sports To start play in ice hockey, lacrosse, and other games by releasing the puck or ball between two opposing players. face up To confront an unpleasant situation with resolution and assurance: had to face up or get out; finally faced up to the problem.

Related Forms: