spearhead

American  

[speer-hed] / ˈspɪərˌhɛd /

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 British  

/ 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)

Etymology

Origin of spearhead

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

Related Words

• initiate
• launch
• prompt
• spur