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.

---

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

---

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 .

---

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 • Mar. 23, 2026

“In fact, we believe hyperscalers are more likely to attempt head-on competition, going after GPU cloud business as the natural adjacency to traditional cloud,” which could cannibalize CoreWeave’s business.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 17, 2026

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 • Mar. 12, 2026

“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 • Jan. 13, 2026

Not directly, but coming at it sideways, up and down, around, not head-on, direct.

From "Towers Falling" by Jewell Parker Rhodes

Related Words

• candidly
• honestly
• openly
• personally