headstrong

[ hed-strawng, -strong ]

adjective

1. determined to have one's own way; willful; stubborn; obstinate:

   a headstrong young man.

   Antonyms: docile, tractable

2. proceeding from or exhibiting willfulness:

   a headstrong course.

headstrong

/ ˈhɛdˌstrɒŋ /

adjective

1. self-willed; obstinate
2. (of an action) heedless; rash

Derived Forms

• ˈheadˌstrongly, adverb
• ˈheadˌstrongness, noun

Other Words From

• headstrongly adverb
• headstrongness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of headstrong¹

First recorded in 1350–1400, headstrong is from the Middle English word heedstronge. See head, strong

Synonym Study

See willful.

Example Sentences

As heroines go, she is a young Katharine Hepburn type: headstrong and outspoken but eagerly in search of tenderness.

From New York Times

Moon’s confident performance — smoky voice, headstrong attitude, gestural dance moves — has caught the attention of critics.

From New York Times

He’s very headstrong and very, very sure about himself, about what he was doing.

From Seattle Times

As solos go, it’s headstrong and questing, revealing a dancer’s rebellious streak in the choreography’s defiant twists and turns.

From New York Times

In “City in Ruins,” the parallels continue when Winslow’s headstrong hero finds himself in Las Vegas.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• impulsive