heel turn

[ heel turn ]

noun

1. Professional Wrestling. a dramatic change of persona from a heroic face character to a villainous heel character. heel ³( def 2 ), face ( def 19 ).
2. a reversal of position or direction, especially a change in character or affiliation perceived as abandoning a righteous or heroic course in pursuit of an unscrupulous or villainous one:

   The governor’s heel turn on healthcare will harm his constituents while lining his re-election coffers.

Word History and Origins

Origin of heel turn¹

First recorded in 1895–1900 as a maneuver in skating; 1990–95 heel turn fordef 1 and 2010–15 heel turn fordef 2