intransitive verb
of a ship : to change direction : go on another tack
transitive verb
1.
a. : to place (a sailing ship) on another tack
the pinnace was put about, and run towards a certain dark speck — William Black
b. : to cause to change course or direction : cause to turn back or around
put the horse about and headed for the corral
2. : to cause to be talked about : circulate , rumor
it was put about in Paris that he was tired of aristocratic mistresses — Nancy Mitford
3.
a. : to cause difficulty or trouble for : inconvenience
I don't want to put you about, telling falsehoods for me — John Galsworthy
b. : disconcert , distress
I thought the poor man would break down into tears at last, he was so put about — Mary Deasy