spearhead

American  

[speer-hed] / ˈspɪərˌhɛd /

noun

1. the sharp-pointed head that forms the piercing end of a spear.

2. any person, contingent, or force that leads an attack, undertaking, etc..

   Cuba was the spearhead of the independence movement within Latin America.

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verb (used with object)

1. to lead or initiate (an undertaking).

   She is spearheading an ambitious research project whose results may be used by NASA.

   Synonyms:

   pioneer, initiate, start, lead

spearhead British  

/ ˈspɪəˌhɛd /

noun

1. the pointed head of a spear

2. the leading force in a military attack

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

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verb

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

Etymology

Origin of spearhead

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English; spear ¹, head

Example Sentences

Much of the increase in consumer spending in 2025 was spearheaded by richer families enjoying massive increases in wealth tied to the bull market in stocks.

From MarketWatch

Primary school enrolment doubled and HIV levels dropped because of an anti-Aids campaign spearheaded by the president.

From BBC

He has spearheaded efforts to plant trees, clean up oceans, rivers and beaches, pay for strangers’ cataract surgeries and prosthetic limbs and has donated millions to charities such as Make-A-Wish and food banks.

From The Wall Street Journal

In the words of Brad Gerstner, the investor who helped spearhead the program, the accounts ensure every eligible child “starts off life in the game with a piece of the American dream.”

From Barron's

Rabada, a generational talent, remains the spearhead and is now complemented by a depth of skill and variety that allows the Proteas to compete in all conditions.

From BBC

Related Words

• initiate
• launch
• prompt
• spur