face / fās/ • n. 1. the front part of a person's head from the forehead to the chin, or the corresponding part in an animal. ∎  the face as expressing emotion; an expression shown on the face: the happy faces of children. ∎  a manifestation or outward aspect of something. ∎  a person conveying a particular quality or association: this season's squad has a lot of old faces.2. the surface of a thing, esp. one that is presented to the view or has a particular function, in particular: ∎  Geom. each of the surfaces of a solid: the faces of a cube. ∎  a vertical or sloping side of a mountain or cliff. ∎  the side of a planet or moon facing the observer. ∎  the front of a building. ∎  the plate of a clock or watch bearing the digits or hands. ∎  the distinctive side of a playing card. ∎  the side of a coin showing the head or principal design.• v. [tr.] 1. be positioned with the face or front toward (someone or something): he turned to face her. ∎  [intr.] have the face or front pointing in a specified direction. ∎  [intr.] (of a soldier) turn in a particular direction.2. confront and deal with or accept: honesty forced her to face facts. ∎  (face someone/something down) overcome someone or something by a show of determination: he faced down hecklers at the rally. ∎  have (a difficult event or situation) in prospect: each defendant faced a 10-year sentence. ∎  (of a problem or difficult situation) present itself to and require action from (someone): suddenly faced with an emergency.3. (usu. be faced with) cover the surface of (a thing) with a layer of a different material: basement walls faced with granite slabs.PHRASES: face down with the face or surface turned toward the ground: he lay face down on his bed.face the music be confronted with the unpleasant consequences of one's actions.face up with the face or surface turned upward to view: place the panel face up before cutting.get out of someone's face [usu. as imper.] inf. stop harassing or annoying someone: shut up and get out of my face.in one's face directly at or against one; as one approaches: she slammed the door in my face.in the face of when confronted with: resolution in the face of the enemy. ∎  in spite of: reform introduced in the face of considerable opposition.lose face suffer a loss of respect; be humiliated: the code of conduct required that he strike back or lose face.make a face (or faces) produce an expression on one's face that shows dislike, disgust, or some other negative emotion, or that is intended to be amusing.put a good (or brave or bold) face on something act as if something unpleasant or upsetting is not as bad as it really is: he tried to put a good face on the financial picture.save face retain respect; avoid humiliation: an outcome that allows them all to save face.throw something back in someone's face reject something in a brusque or ungracious manner.to one's face openly in one's presence: you're telling me to my face I'm a liar.PHRASAL VERBS: face off take up an attitude of confrontation, esp. at the start of a fight or game.DERIVATIVES: faced / fāst/ adj. [in comb.] red-faced.