u-turn

noun

1. a U-shaped turn made by a vehicle so as to head in the opposite direction from its original course.
2. a reversal of policy, tactics, or the like, resembling such a maneuver.

verb (used without object)

3. to execute a U-turn: to U-turn into oncoming traffic.

noun

1. a turn made by a vehicle in the shape of a U, resulting in a reversal of direction
2. a complete change in direction of political or other policy

n.1934, from u + turn (n.). So called in reference to the shape of the path described.