head for
HED FOR
/hed fɔː/
To move in a particular direction.
Often implies a clear destination or a likely outcome (e.g., 'heading for trouble').
The story behind the word. Using 'head' as a verb for direction comes from the idea of pointing your head (and thus your body) toward a destination. It has been used this way since the 1600s.
Word relationships
- aim for: Aim for implies a goal or target, while head for is more about the physical direction.
- make for: Make for is often used when moving toward something quickly or in a hurry.
- avoid: Avoiding a direction is the opposite of heading for it.
Commonly confused with
- head off: Head off means to intercept someone or to leave on a journey.
Collocations
- head for the hills
- head for home
- head for disaster
Idioms & expressions
- head for the hills
Example sentences
- "I usually head for the office around 8:00 AM." Starting a commute.
- "If they don't change their spending habits, they are heading for financial ruin." Predicting a negative outcome.
Memory hook
Point your 'head' in the direction you want to go. Head for the bed.
When not to use
Don't use it if the movement is aimless; use 'wander' instead.
Fun facts
- The idiom 'head for the hills' originally meant to flee to high ground to avoid a flood or an attacking army.
Explore more words
whither, destination, hither, spearhead, Headstrong, navigate
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