about-face

noun

Military. a turn of 180° from the position of attention.

a complete, sudden change in position, direction, principle, attitude, etc.: They've done an about-face in their foreign policy.

verb (used without object)

to execute an about face.

to turn in the opposite direction.

to switch to an opposite opinion.

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About-face is one of our favorite verbs.

So is bowdlerise. Does it mean:

to steal or take dishonestly (money, esp. public funds, or property entrusted to one's care); embezzle.

to expurgate (a written work) by removing or modifying passages considered vulgar or objectionable.

Origin:
1860–65, Americanism

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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WordNet

about-face
noun
1.	act of pivoting 180 degrees, especially in a military formation
2.	a major change in attitude or principle or point of view; "an about-face on foreign policy"
verb
1.	turn, usually 180 degrees
2.	change one's mind and assume the opposite viewpoint

WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton University.
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Example sentences

The first couple's about-face stems from their declining political fortunes.

If it does so, it would appear to be a fast about-face.

He may even benefit politically from the about-face, particularly as he will

continue in the position of deputy prime minister.

Such an arbitrary about-face cannot be countenanced.

Matching Quote

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