face
face
(fās) noun
1.
a. The surface of the front of the head from the top of the forehead to the base of the chin and from ear to ear. b. A person: We saw many new faces on the first day of classes.
2. A person's countenance.
3. A contorted facial expression; a grimace: made a face at the prospect of eating lemons.
4. Outward appearance: the modern face of the city.
5. a. Value or standing in the eyes of others; prestige: lose face. b. Self-assurance; confidence: The team managed to maintain a firm face even in times of great adversity.
6. Effrontery; impudence: had the face to question my judgment.
7. The most significant or prominent surface of an object, especially: a. The surface presented to view; the front. b. A façade. c. Outer surface: the face of the earth. d. A marked side: the face of a clock; the face of a playing card. e. The right side, as of fabric.
8. Geometry. A planar surface of a geometric solid.
9. Any of the surfaces of a rock or crystal.
10. The end, as of a mine or tunnel, at which work is advancing.
11. The appearance and geologic surface features of an area of land; topography.
12. Printing. A typeface or range of typefaces.
verb
faced, facing, faces
verb
, transitive
1.
To occupy a position with the face toward: stood and faced the audience.
2.
To front on: a window that faces the south.
3.
a. To confront with complete awareness: had to face the facts. b. To overcome by confronting boldly or bravely: "What this generation must do is face its problems" (John F. Kennedy). c. To confront with impudence.
4.
a. To be certain to encounter; have in store: An unskilled youth faces a difficult life. b. To bring or to be brought face to face with: "The prospect of military conflict . . . faced us with nightmarish choices" (Henry A. Kissinger).
5.
To cause (troops) to change direction by giving a command.
6.
Games. To turn (a playing card) so that the face is up.
7. To furnish with a surface or cover of a different material: bronze that is faced with gold foil.
8. To line or trim the edge of, especially with contrasting material: face a hem with lace.
9. To treat the surface of so as to smooth.
verb
, intransitive
1.
To be turned or placed with the front toward a specified direction.
2.
To turn the face in a specified direction.
phrasal verb.
face down
To attain mastery over or overcome by confronting in a resolute, determined manner: face down an opponent in a debate; faced the enemy down. face off Sports
To start play in ice hockey, lacrosse, and other games by releasing the puck or ball between two opposing players. face up
To confront, an unpleasant situation, for example, with resolution and assurance: had to face up or get out; finally faced up to the problem.
idiom.
face the music
To accept the unpleasant consequences, especially of one's own actions.
face to face
1.
In each other's presence; in direct communication: The two world leaders at last spoke face to face.
2.
Directly confronting: We were face to face with death during the avalanche.
in (the) face of
Despite the opposition of; notwithstanding: "This statement flies in the face of accepted wisdom" (S. Fred Singer).
on the face of it
From appearances alone; apparently: On the face of it, the problem seems minor.
show (one's) face
To make an appearance: Don't show your face on my property again.
to (one's) face
In the view or hearing of: criticized the supervisor to her face.
[Middle English, from Old French, from Vulgar Latin *facia, from Latin faciēs.]
face
ʹable adjective
face
ʹless adjective
face
ʹlessness noun
Synonyms:
face, countenance, kisser, mug, pan, physiognomy, puss, visage. The central meaning shared by these nouns is "the front surface of the head": turned her face away; a happy countenance; punched him in the kisser; caught a glimpse of his ugly mug; tripped and fell on her pan; caught him staring at my physiognomy; a menacing look on his puss; a noble-looking visage. See also synonyms at defy.