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headlong JUST WRITTEN FOR YOU

/ˈhɛdlɑŋ/ · head·long
verb
  1. To precipitate or cause something to happen suddenly. The news precipitated a headlong rush to the stock market.
  2. To cause someone or something to move or fall headfirst. The steep slope caused the hikers to headlong down the mountain.
adjective
  1. Precipitous or unplanned. The headlong descent into the valley was breathtaking.
  2. Plunging downwards head foremost. The bungee jumper took a headlong leap off the bridge.
  3. Rushing forward without restraint. The headlong pursuit of wealth led to financial ruin.
adverb
  1. With the head first or down. The child took a headlong dive into the pool.
  2. With an unrestrained forward motion. The car sped headlong down the highway.
  3. Rashly; precipitately; without deliberation, in haste, hastily. She made a headlong decision to quit her job without thinking it through.
Did you know? The phrase 'headlong' has been used in literature to describe a character's impulsive actions, such as in Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet' where Romeo rushes headlong into a doomed love affair.
Written by Lexi Wordsworth, Dictionary Editor 0 lookups Added Jul 15, 2026