spearhead

[ speer-hed ]

noun

1. the sharp-pointed head that forms the piercing end of a spear.
2. any person, contingent, or force that leads an attack, undertaking, etc.:

   Cuba was the spearhead of the independence movement within Latin America.

verb (used with object)

1. to lead or initiate (an undertaking):

   She is spearheading an ambitious research project whose results may be used by NASA.

   Synonyms: pioneer, initiate, start, lead

spearhead

/ ˈspɪəˌhɛd /

noun

1. the pointed head of a spear
2. the leading force in a military attack
3. any person or thing that leads or initiates an attack, a campaign, etc

verb

1. tr to lead or initiate (an attack, a campaign, etc)

Word History and Origins

Origin of spearhead¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English; spear ¹, head

Example Sentences

One of the best-preserved tombs contained six skeletons, gold and silver jewelry, cookware, a spearhead, and intact pottery vessels.

From Science Daily

This "remarkable digital transformation" was "spearheaded" by Bawumia, news website African Business reported, while Ghanaian newspaper The Chronicle hailed Bawumia's "expertise in global digital transformation".

From BBC

The firebrand Florida politician is perhaps best known for spearheading the effort to unseat then-Republican Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy last year.

From BBC

In the last two months of the 2024 election cycle, he spearheaded a Trump campaign initiative called "Make America Healthy Again".

From BBC

In this role, he spearheaded the historic bus boycott, rallying thousands of Bristolians to stand together against the Bristol Omnibus Company's refusal to hire Black and Asian drivers.

From BBC

Related Words

• initiate
• launch
• prompt
• spur