head-on

1 of 2

adverb

ˈhed-ˈȯn How to pronounce head-on (audio)
-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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adverb
Unfiltered Realist: Grounded in authenticity, facing reality head-on. Glenn Llopis, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024 Instead of fearing this feeling and running from it, use this month as a great opportunity to face your inner demons head-on as the Devil card arrives. Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 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 See all Example Sentences for head-on 

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

1809, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1887, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of head-on was in 1809

Dictionary Entries Near head-on

Cite this Entry

“Head-on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/head-on. Accessed 11 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

head-on

adjective
-ˈȯn,
-ˈän
: having the head or front facing forward : front to front
a head-on collision

More from Merriam-Webster on head-on

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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