rear-facing
|rear-face-ing|
🇺🇸
/ˌrɪrˈfeɪsɪŋ/
🇬🇧
/ˌrɪə(r)ˈfeɪsɪŋ/
facing the rear/back
Etymology
'rear-facing' originates from modern English, specifically a compound of the noun 'rear' and the present participle 'facing' (from the verb 'face'), where 'rear' meant 'the back' and 'face' is from the verb 'to face'.
'rear' comes from Middle English 'rere' (from Old English forms meaning 'back'), and 'face' comes via Old French 'face' from Latin 'facies'; the compound 'rear-facing' is a relatively recent productive formation in modern English (19th–20th century) combining 'rear' + 'facing'.
Initially the elements meant 'back' and 'to face'; the compound has retained the straightforward meaning 'facing the back/rear' and is used especially for seats and equipment oriented toward the rear.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
something that is rear-facing (often used for devices or seats designed to face the rear).
The rear-facing in this vehicle provides extra protection in a collision.
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Adjective 1
directed toward or positioned to face the rear (the back); having the front turned toward the rear.
Use a rear-facing car seat for infants whenever possible.
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Last updated: 2026/01/08 15:37