turnabout

[turn-uh-bout]

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.

turnabout

/ ˈtɜːnəˌbaʊt /

noun

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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of turnabout¹

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

Example Sentences

In recent days the turnabout in Tesla’s fortunes has left Musk and his political supporters sounding ever more febrile.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“This radical turnabout has never occurred,” Stark told The Times.

Read more on Salon

The irony of his turnabout was not lost on his colleagues.

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And it represents a sobering turnabout for a foundation so prolific at Columbia that it underwrote both the Russ Berrie Medical Science Pavilion and the Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center.

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Johnson’s welcome turnabout involved listening to the nation’s top national security officials; praying; and worrying about his son, who will soon enroll in the United States Naval Academy.

Read more on Seattle Times

Related Words

• U-turn 
• change of direction www.thesaurus.com
• flip-flop 
• reversal 
• turnaround