spearhead

/ˈspɪə.hɛd/

Etymology

From Middle English spere-hed; equivalent to spear + head.

noun

  1. The pointed head, or end, of a spear.“Orion hit a rabbit once; but though sore wounded it got to the bury, and, struggling in, the arrow caught the side of the hole and was drawn out.[…]. Ikey the blacksmith had forged us a spearhead after a sketch from a picture of a Greek warrior; and a rake-handle served as a shaft.”
  2. One who leads or initiates an activity (such as an attack or a campaign).“Spearheads of the NER bargain fares attack this year have been the introduction of weekend fares at a 7s 6d in the £ discount on ordinary rates between principal stations throughout the Region—[...].”
  3. The leading military unit in an attack.
  4. A player who initiates attacking moves.“England played at a tempo in attack that was too much for Bulgaria, with width provided at various times by Walcott, Young and Stewart Downing and Rooney acting as the potent spearhead.”

verb

  1. To drive or campaign ardently for (an effort, project, etc.); to direct.“He spearheaded the entire project from day one.”