spearhead

UK: /ˈspɪə^rhɛd/ US: /ˈspɪrˌhɛd/ ,(spēr′hed′)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

spear•head /ˈspɪrˌhɛd/   n. [countable]

1. the sharp-pointed head that forms the piercing end of a spear.
2. any person, group, or force that leads an attack, a new activity, etc.:
   Their army group formed the spearhead for the assault.

v. [~ + object]

3. to act as a spearhead for:
   to spearhead the drive for new members in the organization.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

spear•head  (spēr′hed′), n. 

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.

v.t. 

3. to act as a spearhead for:
   She spearheaded the drive for new members.

• 1350–1400; Middle English; see spear¹, head

Synonyms

• 3. . lead, start, initiate, pioneer.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

spearhead / 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. (transitive) to lead or initiate (an attack, a campaign, etc)