English Explanatory Dictionary

headlong

English dictionary entry

Meanings

adv
  1. With the head first or down.
  2. With an unrestrained forward motion.
  3. Rashly; precipitately; without deliberation; in haste, hastily.
adj
  1. Precipitous.
  2. Plunging downwards head foremost.
  3. Rushing forward without restraint.
  4. Reckless; impetuous.
verb
  1. To precipitate.

Pronunciation

/ˈhɛd.lɒŋ/ /ˈhɛd.lɔŋ/ /ˈhɛd.lɑŋ/ En-us-headlong.ogg

Word forms

headlong more headlong most headlong headlongs headlonging headlonged

Etymology

From Middle English hedlong, alteration of hedling, heedling, hevedlynge (“headlong”), assimilated to long. More at headling.

Synonyms

head first

Antonyms

arselong feet first

Derived words

headlongness headlongs
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