head-on

[hed-on, -awn]

adjective

1. (of two objects) meeting with the fronts or heads foremost.

   a head-on collision.

2. facing the direction of forward motion or alignment; frontal.

3. characterized by direct opposition.

   a head-on confrontation.

adverb

1. with the front or head foremost, especially in a collision.

   She stepped out of the front door and walked head-on into her husband.

head-on

adverb

1. with the front or fronts foremost

   a head-on collision

2. with directness or without compromise

   in his usual head-on fashion

Word History and Origins

Origin of head on¹

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40

Idioms and Phrases

With the face or front first, as in The two bicycles collided head on . [Early 1800s]

In direct conflict, in open opposition, as in They decided to meet the opposition head on .

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