heel turn

American  

[heel turn] / ˈhil ˌtɜrn /

noun

1. Professional Wrestling. a dramatic change of persona from a heroic face character to a villainous heel character.

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.

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Etymology

Origin of heel turn

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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

heel turn

Moreover, when we meet him Danny is evidently a decent guy, so why the heel turn?

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 28, 2026

The LP turns out to be something of a heel turn; it’s got a proudly villainous energy as Swift embraces her messiest and most chaotic tendencies.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 19, 2024

Any heel turn now would be more costly for Microsoft because it’s using Bing’s brand, not something distinct.

From Slate ● Feb. 17, 2023

Now, just as Lil Nas X has chucked the pregnant man into the recycle bin, the movies have reclaimed him and primed him for a heel turn.

From New York Times ● Aug. 5, 2022

The issue wasn't necessarily what happened, but that the show didn't spend the time to make those moments, like Bran becoming king or Dany's heel turn, feel earned.

From Salon ● Apr. 27, 2022