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

Using drone technology, the research team recorded sperm whales colliding head-on while also observing their surrounding social behavior.

From Science Daily

The head-on collision exposed the parlous state of the Greek railway network's safety precautions -- despite European Union grants for their modernisation and repeated warnings from unions.

From Barron's

“We already knew he was a controversial figure, and we have to now further confront this and interrogate him head-on.”

From Los Angeles Times

Ben Wang delivers a breakthrough performance in the title role as a kid who tries to conquer his anxiety issues head-on by running for class president.

From Los Angeles Times

A woman who lost her mum, sister and stepdad in a head-on crash says she has lost faith in the justice system after their killer was released from prison early and deported.

From BBC

Related Words

• candidly
• honestly
• openly
• personally