head-on

1 of 2

adverb

ˈhed-ˈȯn 

-ˈän

1

: with the head or front making the initial contact

the cars collided head-on

2

: in direct opposition, confrontation, or contradiction

met the problem head-on

head-on

2 of 2

adjective

1

: having the front facing in the direction of initial contact or line of sight

a head-on collision

2

: frontal sense 2b

a head-on confrontation

Synonyms

Adverb

• eyeball-to-eyeball
• face-to-face
• head-to-head
• mano a mano
• one-on-one
• toe-to-toe

Examples of head-on in a Sentence

Adverb

the underdog team met its more talented opponent head-on and won the hockey game through sheer grit

Recent Examples on the Web

Adverb

Addressing those risks head-on at the start of a deal ensures a stronger start, smoother transitions and better long-term returns. —Dan Hawkins, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024

Most novels of World War II confront the horrors of that time head-on, as if to do less would dishonor the magnitude of the atrocity. —Chloe Schama, Vogue, 25 Dec. 2024

Adjective

Raquel Leviss will be addressing her actions head-on. —Dana Rose Falcone, Peoplemag, 22 Mar. 2023

Many of its rivals are also racing head-on into the EV market. —Jamie L. Lareau, Detroit Free Press, 20 Mar. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

1809, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1887, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

head-on

adjective

-ˈȯn,

-ˈän

: having the head or front facing forward : front to front

a head-on collision