head-on

[ hed-on, -awn ]

adjective

1. (of two objects) meeting with the fronts or heads foremost:

   a head-on collision.

2. facing the direction of forward motion or alignment; frontal.
3. characterized by direct opposition:

   a head-on confrontation.

adverb

1. with the front or head foremost, especially in a collision:

   She stepped out of the front door and walked head-on into her husband.

head-on

adverb

1. with the front or fronts foremost

   a head-on collision

2. with directness or without compromise

   in his usual head-on fashion

Word History and Origins

Origin of head-on¹

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40

Example Sentences

He was driving towards Penally when he collided head-on with Mr Boyle, who was travelling in the opposite direction.

From BBC

And while others deferred to the Florida governor, Trump hit him head-on, demeaning and diminishing him.

From BBC

Thao has said that she is “working tirelessly for Oakland’s future” and that she has “tackled rising crime, homelessness and budget challenges head-on.”

From Los Angeles Times

His last two albums confront mortality head-on, prompted by the realisation that he was the “last man standing” from his teenage band The Castiles.

From BBC

It was then involved in a head-on collision with a Toyota.

From BBC

Related Words

• candidly
• honestly
• openly
• personally