as one turns around; the moment one turns around
Describes an action that happens at the same time as, or immediately after, turning around. Often used in narrative to describe a sudden action or event occurring while turning.
See also: ざま
He smiled as he turned around.
Just as I turned around, someone tapped me on the shoulder.
ざま is a suffix meaning 'while' or 'as one does'; 振り向きざま uses this suffix to indicate simultaneity with turning around.
Standard kanji-kana mixed spelling.
Alternate spelling using 様 for ざま.
Compound of 振り向き (continuative form of 振り向く 'to turn around') + ざま (suffix indicating the moment or manner of an action).