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

Related Words

• candidly
• honestly
• openly
• personally