headlong
UK: ˈhɛdlɒŋ | US: ˈhɛdlɔːŋ
adj. / adv. done with the head leading; headfirst
adj. / adv. impulsive or rash; without deliberation
The word "headlong" originated in Middle English as "hedling," combining "head" (referring to the physical head or forward direction) and the adverbial suffix "-ling" (indicating manner or direction). Over time, "-ling" evolved into "-long," influenced by the unrelated word "long." The term originally described literal forward motion (e.g., diving headfirst) and later expanded metaphorically to describe impulsive actions. The morpheme "head" preserves its concrete meaning, while "-long" reinforces the sense of direction or extension.
He plunged headlong into the icy water.
The company rushed headlong into the deal without proper research.
She tripped and fell headlong down the stairs.
Their headlong pursuit of profit ignored ethical concerns.
The skier went headlong over the cliff, narrowly avoiding rocks.