head-on
UK: ˌhed ˈɒn | US: ˌhed ˈɑːn
adj. involving direct confrontation or collision
adv. with direct confrontation or collision
The term "head-on" combines "head" (referring to the front or leading part) and "on" (indicating contact or position). It originally described physical collisions where the front ("head") of one object meets another directly. Over time, it expanded metaphorically to describe any direct confrontation or clash, whether physical or abstract. The logic is straightforward: just as two objects colliding front-first is a "head-on" crash, opposing ideas or forces meeting directly is a "head-on" conflict.
The two cars collided head-on at the intersection.
She prefers to tackle problems head-on rather than avoiding them.
The debate turned into a head-on argument between the candidates.
The truck swerved to avoid a head-on crash with the bus.
His head-on approach to criticism often leads to productive discussions.