spearhead
SPEER-hed
/ˈspɪər.hed/
To lead an attack, movement, campaign, or initiative.
Implies being at the very front of an effort, taking the initial risks, and driving the momentum forward.
The story behind the word. Originally, a 'spearhead' was literally the sharp, pointed metal tip of a spear. In military tactics, it came to describe the leading force of an offensive attack that penetrates enemy lines. By the mid-20th century, the term was adopted by the business and political worlds to describe leading a major project or campaign.
Word relationships
- lead: Lead is a general term for guiding others, whereas spearhead specifically emphasizes being the sharp, driving force at the very front of a new initiative.
- pioneer: Pioneer focuses on being the first to enter a new territory or field, whereas spearhead focuses on driving a specific, organized campaign or project forward.
- follow: To follow is to come after or accept the leadership of another, whereas to spearhead is to be the primary leader at the front.
Commonly confused with
- undergo: Undergo means to experience or endure something, while spearhead means to actively drive and lead it.
Word family
- spearheaded (verb (past tense)): Led or initiated a campaign or project.
Collocations
- spearhead an initiative
- spearhead a campaign
- spearhead the effort
- spearhead a project
Example sentences
- "She was chosen to spearhead the company's expansion into the European market." A corporate announcement regarding a new product launch.
- "Activists in the local community worked to spearhead the drive for clean energy alternatives." A historical analysis of social movements.
Memory hook
Think of the sharp point of a spear piercing through obstacles; that is what a leader does when they spearhead a project. The spearhead is the sharp point that breaks the barrier first.
When not to use
Avoid using when someone is merely managing or supervising a project from behind a desk without active, pioneering involvement.
Fun facts
- The transition of 'spearhead' from a literal weapon part to a military tactical term occurred during World War II, describing armored divisions that broke through enemy lines.
Related words
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