spearhead

American  

[speer-hed] / ˈspɪərˌhɛd /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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verb

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

Etymology

Origin of spearhead

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

Example Sentences

It didn’t take long for Acuña to spearhead an academic revolution he knew was emerging.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2026

While the situation is disheartening, Warner is looking to spearhead a positive outcome.

From BBC • Feb. 18, 2026

Bezos tapped Lewis, former chief executive of Wall Street Journal publisher Dow Jones, in late 2023 to spearhead a turnaround.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 4, 2026

Rabada, a generational talent, remains the spearhead and is now complemented by a depth of skill and variety that allows the Proteas to compete in all conditions.

From BBC • Dec. 30, 2025

There was on each page a tiny spearhead in the corner of one section.

From "Artemis Fowl" by Eoin Colfer

Related Words

• initiate
• launch
• prompt
• spur