turnabout

American  

[turn-uh-bout] / ˈtɜrn əˌbaʊt /

noun

1. the act of turning in a different or opposite direction.

2. a change of opinion, loyalty, etc.

3. a reciprocal action; act of doing to someone exactly as that person has done to oneself or another.

   Turnabout is fair play.

4. a person who changes things; a radical.

5. Chiefly British. merry-go-round.

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turnabout British  

/ ˈtɜːnəˌbaʊt /

noun

1. the act of turning so as to face a different direction

2. a change or reversal of opinion, attitude, etc

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Etymology

Origin of turnabout

First recorded in 1590–1600; noun use of verb phrase turn about

Example Sentences

The abrupt turnabout—“OK, now spend it!”—felt just plain wrong.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Here’s our North Star: Does this help us win?” he said in a mid-December statement announcing his turnabout and the study’s unceremonious interment.

From Los Angeles Times

But in a sudden turnabout a month later, prosecutors moved to dismiss the indictment against Martinez.

From Los Angeles Times

The turnabout has been particularly stark with stocks and digital tokens with direct associations to the president and his family.

From The Wall Street Journal

Having been preoccupied with saving a season, Skipper acknowledged being blissfully unaware of any narratives about who’s done what to spark his team’s turnabout.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• U-turn
• change of direction
• flip-flop
• reversal
• turnaround