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spearhead

[ speer-hed ]
/ ˈspɪərˌhɛd /
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See synonyms for: spearhead / spearheaded / spearheading on Thesaurus.com

noun

the sharp-pointed head that forms the piercing end of a spear.
any person, contingent, or force that leads an attack, undertaking, etc.

verb (used with object)

to act as a spearhead for: She spearheaded the drive for new members.

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Origin of spearhead

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at spear1, head
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021

Words related to spearhead

initiate, prompt, spur, launch, move, shepherd, head, motivate, bring, produce, originate, influence, direct, introduce, pioneer, persuade, helm, cause, guide, quarterback

Example sentences from the Web for spearhead

British Dictionary definitions for spearhead

spearhead
/ (ˈspɪəˌhɛd) /

noun

the pointed head of a spear
the leading force in a military attack
any person or thing that leads or initiates an attack, a campaign, etc

verb

(tr) to lead or initiate (an attack, a campaign, etc)
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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