headless

UK: ˈhɛdləs | US: ˈhɛdləs

Definition

  1. adj. lacking a head or leader

  2. adj. (computing) operating without a graphical user interface or direct user interaction

  3. adj. (informal) irrational or senseless

Structure
head <top part of the body or leader>less <without>
Etymology

The word "headless" combines "head," derived from Old English hēafod (meaning the physical head or a leader), with the suffix "-less," from Old English -lēas (meaning "without"). The term originally described literal decapitation but expanded metaphorically to describe systems or groups lacking leadership or interfaces. In computing, "headless" emerged in the late 20th century to describe devices or software operating without a display.

Examples

  1. The headless statue stood eerily in the ruins.

  2. The team felt headless after their manager resigned.

  3. Headless servers are ideal for automated tasks.

  4. His headless panic led to poor decisions.

  5. The headless chicken ran wildly around the yard.