headlong

/ˌhɛdˈlɔŋ/

Other forms: headlongs

Headlong describes something done headfirst, rashly, or really quickly. If you’re the star batter on your baseball team, it’s expected that you'll make a headlong dive for the base.

Headlong can refer to hasty actions, but it can also be used more figuratively to describe decisions that are reckless or made in a hurry. Your sister may tend to weigh all the options, but you make headlong decisions. When you decided headlong to move to Florida for a chance to play professionally, your sister thought you’d gone off your rocker — but the day you sign a major contract, she’ll be singing a different tune.

Definitions of headlong

1. adverb

   with the head foremost
   “the runner slid headlong into third base”

   synonyms: headfirst
2. adverb

   in a hasty and foolhardy manner
   synonyms: rashly
3. adverb

   at breakneck speed
   “burst headlong through the gate”

   synonyms: precipitately
4. adjective

   with the head foremost
   “a headlong dive into the pool”

   synonyms: headfirst

   forward

   at or near or directed toward the front
5. adjective

   excessively quick
   “a headlong rush to sell”

   synonyms: hasty

   hurried

   moving rapidly or performed quickly or in great haste