headlong

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(hed′lôŋ′)

adverb

  1. with the head first; headfirst
  2. with uncontrolled speed and force
  3. recklessly; rashly; impetuously

Origin: LME hedlong, altered (by assoc. with along) < ME hedelinge(s) < hede, head + -linge, adv. suffix

adjective

  1. Old Poet. steep; dizzy; precipitous: a headlong height
  2. with or done with the head first or foremost; headfirst
  3. moving with uncontrolled speed and force
  4. reckless; impetuous

See headlong in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adverb
  1. With the head leading; headfirst: The runner slid headlong into third base.
  2. In an impetuous manner; rashly.
  3. At breakneck speed or with uncontrolled force.
adjective (hĕdˈlôngˌ, -lŏngˌ)
  1. Done with the head leading; headfirst: a headlong dive.
  2. Impetuous; rash. See Synonyms at impetuous.
  3. Uncontrollably forceful or fast.
  4. Archaic Steep; sheer.

Origin:

Origin: From Middle English (bi) hedlong

Origin: , alteration of (bi) hedling

Origin: : hed, head; see head 

Origin: + -ling, in a specified direction; see -ling2

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© 1996-2013 LoveToKnow, Corp. All Rights Reserved. Audio pronunciation provided by LoveToKnow, Corp.