head-on

American  

[hed-on, -awn] / ˈhɛdˈɒn, -ˈɔn /

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.

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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 British  

adverb

1. with the front or fronts foremost

   a head-on collision

2. with directness or without compromise

   in his usual head-on fashion

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head on Idioms  

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

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

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Etymology

Origin of head-on

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40

Example Sentences

“Whether these steps succeed remains uncertain, but the intent to tackle energy, housing, and financing head-on is unmistakable,” wrote Seth Meyer, portfolio manager at Janus Henderson.

From Barron's

“Whether these steps succeed remains uncertain, but the intent to tackle energy, housing, and financing head-on is unmistakable,” wrote Seth Meyer, portfolio manager at Janus Henderson.

From Barron's

The daughter of a taxi driver who was killed in a head-on collision, which also killed three teenagers, has said she is "in shock" and it all feels like "a bad dream".

From BBC

It’s to his credit that in this book he faces head-on the controversies surrounding Marcus’ reign.

From The Wall Street Journal

A passenger has described "chaos" after two trains collided head-on near Peru's most popular tourist attraction, Machu Picchu.

From BBC

Related Words

• candidly
• honestly
• openly
• personally