ABOUT TURN Meaning and
Definition
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The term "about turn" is a military command that refers to a swift and complete change in direction, usually executed by soldiers marching in formation. An about turn involves an individual or a group of individuals abruptly turning around to face the opposite direction, typically in response to a command or signal.
In a non-military context, an about turn can also describe a sudden change in one's opinion, attitude, or course of action. It implies a complete reversal in thinking or behavior. This expression is often used when someone unexpectedly alters their stance on a particular matter, causing a significant shift in their viewpoint or approach.
Furthermore, the term can also refer to a physical maneuver, particularly in dance or sport, where a person rotates their body in the opposite direction. It may involve a quick twist or spin to reverse the orientation and face the opposite way.
Overall, "about turn" signifies an abrupt and complete reversal in direction, whether it relates to physical movement, personal opinions, or general attitudes. It encapsulates the notion of an immediate and radical change in a particular context, often in response to a command, decision, or realization.
Common Misspellings for ABOUT TURN
- zbout turn
- sbout turn
- wbout turn
- qbout turn
- avout turn
- anout turn
- ahout turn
- agout turn
- abiut turn
- abkut turn
- ablut turn
- abput turn
- ab0ut turn
- ab9ut turn
- aboyt turn
- aboht turn
- abojt turn
- aboit turn
- abo8t turn
Etymology of ABOUT TURN
The term "about turn" has an etymology that can be traced back to military drills and commands.
"About" in this context means "toward" or "in the opposite direction" and is derived from the Middle English word "aboute", which came from Old English "abutan" meaning "on the outside" or "around".
"Turn" refers to the action of changing direction or facing the opposite way. It originates from the Old English word "tyrnan" which means "to rotate" or "to turn".
The combination of these two words, "about" and "turn", is commonly used in military contexts as a command to change direction by making a complete 180-degree turn. The command "about turn" instructs soldiers to turn around and face the opposite direction. Over time, this term has also been adopted and used in various non-military contexts to describe a similar action of turning around.
Similar spelling word for ABOUT TURN
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