spearhead

1 of 2

noun

spear·​head ˈspir-ˌhed 

1

: the sharp-pointed head of a spear

2

: a leading element, force, or influence in an undertaking or development

spearhead

2 of 2

verb

spearheaded; spearheading; spearheads

transitive verb

: to serve as leader or leading element of

Synonyms

Verb

• boss
• captain
• command
• head
• lead

Examples of spearhead in a Sentence

Noun

Her book was the spearhead of the clean water movement.

Verb

She spearheaded the campaign for better schools.

The movement was spearheaded by the teachers' union.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

This dispute revolves around the questions of whether the organization's military wing (the Qassam Brigades) should constitute the spearhead of Hamas' drive for hegemony in Palestine beyond Gaza and whether the movement can afford to link its political fortunes to the performance of its armed wing. —Ehud Yaari, Foreign Affairs, 1 Mar. 2010

The discovery came to light when photos of the artifacts, including weapons, bronze spearheads, necklaces and shield bosses, were shared with the Provincial Heritage Protection Office in the city of Szczecin, according to a statement from the West Pomeranian Police, published Friday. —Jack Guy, CNN, 23 Oct. 2024

Verb

Issue One spearheaded several letters signed by good governance groups this election cycle pressing presidential candidates to disclose their top fundraisers. —Taylor Giorno, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2024

In 2010, Na successfully spearheaded a campaign to get Chino Valley to teach the Bible as a history course for seniors. —Gretchen Smail, Them, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1937, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

spearhead

1 of 2 noun

spear·​head -ˌhed 

1

: the head or point of a spear

2

: a person, thing, or group that is the leading force (as in a development or attack)

spearhead

2 of 2 verb

: to serve as leader of

spearhead a campaign for better schools