Definition

1. Noun:
   • A major change in attitude, principle, or point of view: A complete turnaround or about-face in one's position or opinion.
   • The act of reversing the order, place, or direction: The action of making something the opposite of what it was, such as turning something to face the other way.
   • A judgment by a higher court that sets aside a lower court's decision: In law, an official overturning of a previous legal ruling.
   • An unfortunate happening that hinders or impedes progress: A setback or frustrating obstacle.
   • A change from one state to the opposite state: A transformation into a contrary condition.

Examples of Usage

• As a major change:
  • The company's reversal of its policy on remote work surprised many employees.
  • His sudden reversal on the issue left his supporters confused.
• As an act of changing order/direction:
  • The reversal of the car into the parking space was done smoothly.
  • A reversal of the magnetic poles is a theoretical possibility.
• As a legal judgment:
  • The appeal resulted in a reversal of the original conviction.
• As a setback:
  • The project suffered a major reversal when the funding was cut.
• As a change of state:
  • The patient experienced a reversal of symptoms after starting the new treatment.

Advanced Usage

• "Role reversal": A situation in which two people or groups exchange their usual functions or behaviors.
  • In their marriage, a role reversal occurred when she became the primary breadwinner.
• "Reversal of fortune": A sudden change, typically for the worse, in one's financial or social situation.
  • The story is a classic tale of reversal of fortune.

Variants and Related Words

• Reverse (verb/noun/adjective): To change to the opposite direction, order, or condition. The opposite counterpart.
  • He decided to reverse his decision. (verb)
  • Please drive in reverse. (noun)
  • Write your name on the reverse side. (adjective)
• Reversible (adjective): Capable of being reversed or of reversing.
  • The jacket is reversible; you can wear it with either side out.

Synonyms

• About-face: A complete change of attitude or policy.
• Turnaround: A sudden and complete change, especially in a business or sporting context.
• Setback: A problem that makes progress more difficult.
• Overturning: The act of officially canceling a legal decision.

Related Phrases

• Suffer a reversal: To experience a setback or defeat.
  • The army suffered a reversal at the hands of the insurgents.
• Court of reversal: A higher court that has the power to reverse lower court decisions. (This is a descriptive phrase, not a formal title).

Related Idioms

• The tables are turned / A reversal of roles: A situation in which the relative positions of two people or groups are exchanged.
  • When the student started teaching the teacher, it was a complete reversal of roles.

Noun

1. a major change in attitude or principle or point of view
   • an about-face on foreign policy
2. the act of reversing the order or place of
3. turning in the opposite direction
4. a judgment by a higher court that the judgment of a lower court was incorrect and should be set aside
5. a decision to reverse an earlier decision
6. turning in an opposite direction or position
   • the reversal of the image in the lens
7. an unfortunate happening that hinders or impedes; something that is thwarting or frustrating
8. a change from one state to the opposite state
   • there was a reversal of autonomic function