headfirst

[ hed-furst ]

adverb

1. with the head heads in front or bent forward; headforemost:

   He dived headfirst into the sea.

2. rashly; precipitately.

headfirst

/ ˈhɛdˈfɜːst /

adjective

1. with the head foremost; headlong

   he fell headfirst

adverb

1. rashly or carelessly

Word History and Origins

Origin of headfirst¹

First recorded in 1820–30; head + first

Example Sentences

Rather than let the play go dead, Londynn Jones dived for it, launching herself headfirst into the empty chairs on the sideline.

From Los Angeles Times

The duo offers an equally fresh approach to “Don’t Let Me Down Again,” with its jaunty headfirst rhythms and ferocity.

From Salon

They didn’t like that he sprinted to first base on a walk or slid headfirst into bases.

From Los Angeles Times

She jumps headfirst into the sea of overjoyed fans, with the intention of crowd surfing.

From Los Angeles Times

I’ve got to make sure I just slow down sometimes and really examine the situation before I just dive in headfirst.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• directly
• head-on
• headlong