headfirst

American  

[hed-furst] / ˈhɛdˈfɜrst /

adverb

1. with the head or heads in front or bent forward; headforemost.

   He dived headfirst into the sea.

2. rashly; precipitately.

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headfirst British  

/ ˈhɛdˈfɜːst /

adjective

1. with the head foremost; headlong

   he fell headfirst

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adverb

1. rashly or carelessly

Etymology

Origin of headfirst

First recorded in 1820–30; head + first

Explanation

When you do something headfirst, your head leads the way. For example, a boy might show off by diving headfirst into a chilly lake. The adverb headfirst is useful for describing a dive or a movement that leads with the head. A stormy ocean might fling a swimmer headfirst onto the beach, or an unlucky skier could slide headfirst down a mountain. You can also use headfirst in a more figurative way, to describe something that's done impulsively, or in a foolishly hasty manner: "He plunged headfirst into this new relationship two days after breaking up with his girlfriend."

Example Sentences

“I really dove headfirst into refinancing my mortgage, changing my deeds, understanding investments,” she said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

Mendoza’s 12-yard touchdown run—which saw him break through one tackle, spin 360 degrees, and leap headfirst across the goal line—gave Indiana a 24-14 lead.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 20, 2026

This house dives headfirst into the counterculture of Venice.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 5, 2025

And in the chain of events her departure causes, Anderson dives headfirst into the film’s more intimate elements, presenting a soulful and darkly humorous counterpart to the film’s cold, violent first act.

From Salon • Sep. 28, 2025

Before it could sink in I rolled headfirst into a foxhole.

From "Code Talker: A Novel About the Navajo Marines of World War Two" by Joseph Bruchac

Related Words

• directly
• head-on
• headlong