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

Before the craft could take off, Logan allegedly slammed the plane head-on into a hangar wall.

From Los Angeles Times

The couple, who married on 23 November, have since gone viral because of the trolling - and their response, as they addressed the criticism head-on.

From BBC

But despite hitting the truck head-on, the Corolla’s air bags never went off.

From The Wall Street Journal

From there, she ensures the estate-planning documents tackle these priorities head-on to reflect the client’s wishes.

From MarketWatch

Other forms of hate have been addressed head-on.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• candidly
• honestly
• openly
• personally