face Hear it!

face definition

face (fās)

noun

  1. the front of the head from the top of the forehead to the bottom of the chin, and from ear to ear; visage; countenance
  2. the expression of the countenance
  3. 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
  4. the side or surface that is marked, as of a clock, playing card, domino, etc., or that is finished, as of fabric, leather, etc.
  5. the appearance; outward aspect; semblance
  6. facial makeup; cosmetics: used chiefly in the phrases do one's face and put one's face on
  7. dignity; self-respect; prestige
    used chiefly in the phrase lose (or save) face lose (or save) face
  8. the topography (of an area)
  9. the functional or striking surface (of a tool, golf club, etc.)
  10. what is shown by the language of a document, without explanation or addition
  11. Informal effrontery; audacity
  12. Mining the end of a tunnel, drift, etc., where work is being done
  13. 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

Etymology: ME < OFr < VL facia < L facies, the face, appearance < base of facere, do

transitive verb faced, facing fac′·ing

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

Etymology: ME facen < the n.

intransitive verb

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

be (or get) in someone's face

☆
Slang to behave in a confrontational or annoyingly direct or persistent manner toward someone

face down

to disconcert or overcome by a confident, bold manner

face off

  1. Hockey to start or resume play with a face-off
  2. Informal to confront one another as opponents or adversaries candidates face off in an election
  3. Informal to take a position opposing: with against or with Congress faced off against the President

face to face

  1. confronting each other
  2. very near; in the presence: followed by with

face up to

  1. to face with courage; confront and resist
  2. to realize and be ready to meet (a condition, fact, etc.)

fly in the face of

to be rashly defiant of

in the face of

  1. in the presence of
  2. in spite of

make a face

to distort the face, esp. in a way expressing contempt, distaste, humor, etc.
also Chiefly Brit.pull a face

on the face of it

to all appearances; apparently

pull a long face

or wear a long face
to look sad, glum, disapproving, etc.

put a bold face on

to seem bold or confident about

set one's face against

to be determinedly against; disapprove of; resist

show one's face

to come and be seen; appear

to someone's face

in someone's presence; openly and without fear

Comments


Do you have more to add? Sign in to share your linguistic knowledge or observation.

Connect with Facebook