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

Canada’s heel turn has come in curling, of all sports.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 15, 2026

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

But while USC and Riley take their inevitable heel turn this season, I have no doubt Kelly will bask in that anonymity for a while.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 30, 2022

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

Season 3 makes him into a psychopath – and although the writers eventually resolve this heel turn, it is not believably earned.

From Salon • Jan. 1, 2021