Headlong
/ˈhɛd.lɒŋ/noun
Done in a rush, without care or delay; also falling or moving straight forward.
Did you know?The word was first used in the physical sense of plunging headfirst, and only later became a metaphor for reckless behavior, showing how English turns motion into mindset.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
heafodlang
“headfirst; with the head foremost”
Middle English
ME
hedlong
“headfirst, head foremost”
16th Century
English
headlong
“plunging or falling headfirst; rashly”
Modern English
English
headlong
“recklessly hurried or directly forward”