spearhead

[ speer-hed ]

See synonyms for spearhead on Thesaurus.com

noun

the sharp-pointed head that forms the piercing end of a spear.
any person, contingent, or force that leads an attack, undertaking, etc.: Cuba was the spearhead of the independence movement within Latin America.

verb (used with object)

to lead or initiate (an undertaking): She is spearheading an ambitious research project whose results may be used by NASA.

Origin of spearhead

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English; see origin at spear¹, head

Other words for spearhead

3	lead, start, initiate, pioneer

See synonyms for spearhead on Thesaurus.com

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use spearhead in a sentence

The New Haven-based group has spent a decade investigating human-rights abuses in Iran and is spearheading the project.
New Facebook Project Imitates Virtual Iranian Prison | Nina Strochlic | February 20, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Tarek, who asked to withhold his last name for fear of retribution, is spearheading an awareness campaign.
Egypt’s Growing Gay-Rights Movement | Bel Trew | May 21, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST

British Dictionary definitions for spearhead

spearhead

/ (ˈspɪəˌhɛd) /

noun

the pointed head of a spear
the leading force in a military attack

any person or thing that leads or initiates an attack, a campaign, etc

verb

(tr) to lead or initiate (an attack, a campaign, etc)

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Browse