spearhead
[ speer-hed ]
/ ˈspɪərˌhɛd /
noun
verb (used with object)
to act as a spearhead for: She spearheaded the drive for new members.
RELATED WORDS
initiate, prompt, spur, launch, move, shepherd, head, motivate, bring, produce, originate, influence, direct, introduce, pioneer, persuade, helm, cause, guide, quarterback
Nearby words
- spear-head spoon,
- spear-phishing,
- spear-thrower,
- spearfish,
- spearfisherman,
- spearing,
- spearman,
- spearman's rank-order coefficient,
- spearmint,
- spearpoint
Origin of spearhead
SYNONYMS FOR spearhead
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for spearheading
The New Haven-based group has spent a decade investigating human-rights abuses in Iran and is spearheading the project.
Tarek, who asked to withhold his last name for fear of retribution, is spearheading an awareness campaign.
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
spearhead
c.1400, from spear (n.1) + head (n.). Figurative sense of "leading element" (of an attack, movement, etc.) is attested from 1893; the verb in this sense is recorded from 1938. Related: Spearheaded; spearheading.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper