volte-face Hear it!

volte-face definition

volte·-face (vôlt′fäs′)

noun

  1. a turn so as to face the opposite way; about-face
  2. a complete reversal of opinion, attitude, etc.

Etymology: Fr < It volta faccia < volta, a turn (see volt) + faccia < VL facia, face

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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