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

That reversal has given the U.S. political clout in a sector of the global economy it had not dominated since World War II, when it supplied oil to its allies.

From Barron's

“The downside risk to copper is a reversal of flows to the U.S. if the refined metal is again exempt from tariffs, which could push inventory into global markets,” analysts at ING said.

From The Wall Street Journal

“The downside risk to copper is a reversal of flows to the U.S. if the refined metal is again exempt from tariffs, which could push inventory into global markets.”

From Barron's

His most recent retirement was met with scepticism last year, given his history of reversals.

From BBC

It’s a reversal of fortunes for the competing car makers.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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