reversal

UK: rɪˈvɜːs(ə)l | US: rɪˈvɜːrs(ə)l

Definition

  1. n. 1. A change to an opposite direction, position, or course of action.

  2. n. 2. The act of overturning or annulling a decision, judgment, or process.

  3. n. 3. (Sports) A maneuver in which a player quickly changes direction.

Structure
re <back>vers <turn>al <noun suffix>
Etymology

The word "reversal" originates from Latin roots:

  • "re-" (back) + "versus" (past participle of "vertere," meaning "to turn").
    The suffix "-al" converts the verb into a noun, denoting an action or result.
    The core idea is "turning back" or "changing direction," which evolved into broader meanings like overturning decisions or physical direction changes.
Examples

  1. The court ordered a reversal of the previous ruling.

  2. The sudden reversal of the car startled the pedestrians.

  3. The team's fortunes took a dramatic reversal in the second half.

  4. She executed a perfect reversal during the dance performance.

  5. The policy reversal surprised both supporters and critics.