WordGarden.iospearhead
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /spˈiəhɛd/
US
- /ˈspɪrˌhɛd/
Meanings
Verb
to lead or drive an effort or initiative
Noun
the leading person, group, or force in an effort
the pointed head of a spear
Beyond the definition
Imagine an army moving into battle. At the very front is the sharp tip that hits first. That image gives us the meaning of "spearhead." As a verb, it means to lead an effort or start something important and push it forward. A company might spearhead a plan to create better packaging, meaning it takes the lead and does the hard early work. As a noun, it can also mean the person, group, or front part that leads the action.
The word "spearhead" first referred to the sharp head of a spear. It was also used for the front part of an attacking force, the part that moved forward first and tried to break through. From that picture, the word developed a wider meaning about leadership and action. To spearhead something means to lead it from the front, start it, and push it ahead. As a noun, "spearhead" can mean the leading person or group in an effort, or the front edge of an attack or movement.
You might read about a scientist who spearheaded research into a new disease, meaning that person led the work from the beginning and kept it moving. Or an organization might spearhead a campaign for social change by taking the lead in asking for new laws or trying to raise public awareness. In both cases, the idea is not only being first, but also doing the work that moves things ahead.
The term suggests focused, determined effort, like the sharp point of a spear moving straight toward its target. It often appears in business, politics, science, and social causes, but it also works in everyday life. You could say, "Sarah spearheaded the planning for our family reunion," to show that she took charge and got things started.
So, if something is being spearheaded, look for the person or group at the front: the one leading, starting, and pushing the effort forward.
Examples
- 1
School campaign
She spearheaded a campaign to get healthier lunches in local schools.
- 2
Labor talks
He was chosen to spearhead talks with union leaders after the strike.
- 3
Business change
The company is spearheading the move toward paperless billing.
- 4
Rescue effort
The rescue effort was spearheaded by fishermen from nearby villages.
- Patternbe spearheaded by
be led by
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Vaccine program
That research team is now the spearhead of the country's vaccine program.
- Patternthe spearhead of + effort/movement
the leading part of it
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- spearhead a campaign
- spearhead an initiative
- spearhead a reform effort
Word family
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Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- spearheadnounverb
Forms
- spearheadedpast tenseverbnoun
- spearheading-ing formverbnoun
- spearheadspluralnounverb