spearhead

[speer-hed]

See more synonyms for spearhead 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.

Origin of spearhead

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at spear¹, head

Synonyms for spearhead

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3. lead, start, initiate, pioneer.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for spearheading

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

Examples from the Web for spearheading

Contemporary Examples of spearheading

The New Haven-based group has spent a decade investigating human-rights abuses in Iran and is spearheading the project.
New Facebook Project Imitates Virtual Iranian Prison
Nina Strochlic
February 20, 2014
Tarek, who asked to withhold his last name for fear of retribution, is spearheading an awareness campaign.
Egypt’s Growing Gay-Rights Movement
Bel Trew
May 21, 2013

British Dictionary definitions for spearheading

spearhead

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

Word Origin and History for spearheading

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.