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

The Catholic church, which has spearheaded a campaign demanding justice for all victims of the brutal bombings, welcomed the arrest as a sign the investigation was continuing.

From Barron's

Rodriguez, as minister of economy at the time, spearheaded the effort.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From BBC

The measure will be "targeted in three ways", said the office of EU industry chief Stephane Sejourne -- who is spearheading the push.

From Barron's

“Referendums are very unpredictable,” worries Thomas A. Lukaszuk, an Alberta politician who spearheads a counter campaign called Forever Canadian.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• initiate
• launch
• prompt
• spur