spearhead

[speer-hed]

noun

1. the sharp-pointed head that forms the piercing end of a spear.

2. any person, contingent, or force that leads an attack, undertaking, etc..

   Cuba was the spearhead of the independence movement within Latin America.

verb (used with object)

1. to lead or initiate (an undertaking).

   She is spearheading an ambitious research project whose results may be used by NASA.

   Synonyms: pioneer, initiate, start, lead

spearhead

/ ˈspɪəˌhɛd /

noun

1. the pointed head of a spear

2. the leading force in a military attack

3. any person or thing that leads or initiates an attack, a campaign, etc

verb

1. (tr) to lead or initiate (an attack, a campaign, etc)

Word History and Origins

Origin of spearhead¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English; spear ¹, head

Example Sentences

Her husband spearheaded a campaign for her release until she was returned after nearly six years.

Read more on BBC

A new presidential secretary for AI and future planning was created to spearhead public-private efforts.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Mass movements spearheaded by the under-30s arose across Asia, Africa and Latin America to fight against poor living standards, social media censorship and elite corruption.

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Injured pace spearheads Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins bowled in the nets on Tuesday in a major boost for Australia ahead of the day-night second Ashes Test against England next week.

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The protest, dubbed the G20 Women's Shutdown, has been organised by Women for Change, which has also been spearheading the online campaign.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• initiate 
• launch 
• prompt 
• spur