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• head-on
  head-on

  adjective

  (of two objects) meeting with the fronts or heads foremost.
• head on
  head on

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

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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

head-on head on

While some journalists twisted their movie and television coverage around major plot events, others tackled them head-on, writing “ending explained” and “twist revealed” articles for readers who wanted to skip to the point.

From Salon ● Oct. 25, 2026

She’d turned to face me head-on, eyes widened in feigned shock, her right hand over her heart.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 23, 2026

The British Beauty Council said the government should be congratulated for tackling the issue head-on.

From BBC ● Oct. 20, 2026

"A lot of companies want to climb the mountain head-on and spend enormous energy to get there," Delgado-Aparicio said.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 10, 2026

If she was going to face a fiery death she wanted to do so head-on, not running.

From "Dactyl Hill Squad" by Daniel José Older

When Alan and I talked with Chris Boerner recently, a critical aspect of his leadership style was apparent immediately: He confronts issues head on.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 30, 2026

However, things came to a head on Sunday when Ronaldo was an unused substitute in the Nations League win over Norway.

From BBC ● Oct. 7, 2026

It was Disney Day at Sierra Canyon High, so standout sophomore linebacker Eli Zamorano showed up at football practice wearing Mickey Mouse ears atop his head on Monday.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 30, 2026

The best approach is to deal with it head on.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 28, 2026

Surprised, Madge bangs her head on the plastic.

From "Muffled" by Jennifer Gennari

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