head-hunting

British  

noun

1. the practice among certain peoples of removing the heads of slain enemies and preserving them as trophies

2. the recruitment, esp through an agency, of executives from one company to another, often rival, company

3. slang the destruction or neutralization of political opponents

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Other Word Forms

• head-hunter noun

Example Sentences

“I do think that they were head-hunting, but I don’t think he meant to try to impose a life-changing injury,” Pittman said.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 22, 2023

And it's reported that his campaign are head-hunting top lawyers to lead the charge.

From BBC • Nov. 7, 2020

The Bengals immediately became better when they cut head-hunting linebacker Vontaze Burfict, and they have legitimate talent elsewhere on defense with Geno Atkins and Carlos Dunlap.

From Slate • Dec. 4, 2019

"Banks are looking to keep the bulk of their operations in the UK but some are hedging their bets on Germany," said Alex Howard-Keyes, a partner at the London-based international head-hunting firm Alderbrooke.

From Reuters • Nov. 7, 2016

During my stay in Borneo I heard many theories advanced in explanation of head-hunting.

From Where the Strange Trails Go Down Sulu, Borneo, Celebes, Bali, Java, Sumatra, Straits Settlements, Malay States, Siam, Cambodia, Annam, Cochin-China by Powell, E. Alexander (Edward Alexander)