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headlong

 - 3 dictionary results

head⋅long

  [hed-lawng, -long]
Use headlong in a Sentence
–adverb
1. with the head foremost; headfirst: to plunge headlong into the water.
2. without delay; hastily: to plunge headlong into work.
3. without deliberation; rashly: to rush headlong into battle.
–adjective
4. undertaken quickly and suddenly; made precipitately; hasty: a headlong flight.
5. rash; impetuous: a headlong denunciation.
6. done or going with the head foremost: a headlong dive into the pool.
Origin:
1350–1400; ME hedlong, earlier hedling. See head, -ling 2

Related forms:
headlongness, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To headlong
head·long   (hěd'lông', -lŏng')   
adv.  

  1. With the head leading; headfirst: The runner slid headlong into third base.

  2. In an impetuous manner; rashly.

  3. At breakneck speed or with uncontrolled force.

adj.   (hěd'lông', -lŏng')

  1. Done with the head leading; headfirst: a headlong dive.

  2. Impetuous; rash. See Synonyms at impetuous.

  3. Uncontrollably forceful or fast.

  4. Archaic Steep; sheer.


[From Middle English (bi) hedlong, alteration of (bi) hedling : hed, head; see head + -ling, in a specified direction; see -ling2.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

headlong 
1482, from hed "head" + suffix -ling (see grovel). Altered by folk etymology on pattern of sidelong, etc.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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