Library / English Dictionary

SPEARHEAD

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 I. (noun) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

The head and sharpened point of a spear

Synonyms:

spear-point; spearhead; spearpoint

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

Hypernyms ("spearhead" is a kind of...):

point (sharp end)

Holonyms ("spearhead" is a part of...):

pike (medieval weapon consisting of a spearhead attached to a long pole or pikestaff; superseded by the bayonet)

lance; shaft; spear (a long pointed rod used as a tool or weapon)

Sense 2

Meaning:

The leading military unit in an attack

Classified under:

Nouns denoting groupings of people or objects

Hypernyms ("spearhead" is a kind of...):

force; military force; military group; military unit (a unit that is part of some military service)

Domain category:

armed forces; armed services; military; military machine; war machine (the military forces of a nation)

Sense 3

Meaning:

Someone who leads or initiates an activity (attack or campaign etc.)

Classified under:

Nouns denoting people

Hypernyms ("spearhead" is a kind of...):

leader (a person who rules or guides or inspires others)

Derivation:

spearhead (be the leader of)

 II. (verb) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

Be the leader of

Example:

She spearheaded the effort to find a cure for the disease

Classified under:

Verbs of political and social activities and events

Hypernyms (to "spearhead" is one way to...):

head; lead (be in charge of)

Sentence frame:

Somebody ----s something

Derivation:

spearhead (someone who leads or initiates an activity (attack or campaign etc.))

Credits