reversal

American  

[ri-vur-suhl] / rɪˈvɜr səl /

noun

1. an act or instance of reversing.

2. the state of being reversed.

3. an adverse change of fortune; reverse.

4. Law. the setting aside of a decision of a lower court by a higher court.

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reversal British  

/ rɪˈvɜːsəl /

noun

1. the act or an instance of reversing

2. a change for the worse; reverse

   a reversal of fortune

3. the state of being reversed

4. the annulment of a judicial decision, esp by an appeal court on grounds of error or irregularity

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Other Word Forms

• prereversal noun

Etymology

Origin of reversal

First recorded in 1480–90; reverse + -al ²

Example Sentences

According to S&P Global Market Intelligence, “immediate implications of tariff reversal are likely to result in retroactive refunds, not future price relief.”

From MarketWatch

The insurance department contends the complaint process has resulted in the reversal of claim denials, increased payouts and agreements in individual cases to test for the toxic residues of wildfire smoke.

From Los Angeles Times

Environmental groups have announced that they will challenge the reversal in court, where they are almost certain to prevail at first.

From The Wall Street Journal

But the reversal only underscored the chaotic decision-making at the agency.

From Los Angeles Times

But a reversal last year cast fresh doubts on Jakarta's energy transition plans and dashed the hopes of locals who blame the plant for environmental and health problems.

From Barron's

Related Words

• U-turn
• annulment
• cancellation
• repeal
• switch
• turnabout
• turnaround