headwind
UK[ˈhɛdwɪnd]US[ˈhɛdwɪnd]
n
a wind that is blowing towards a person or vehicle that is moving, so that it is blowing from the direction in which they are going, making movement more difficult.
n
a force or influence that makes progress more difficult.
Morpheme Breakdown
head
wind
head
front
wind
moving air
Etymology
the compound 'headwind' is a native english formation from two old english roots. the term literally describes a wind coming from the 'head' or front, directly opposing forward motion. this concrete meteorological sense, recorded from the early 18th century, naturally evolved into a figurative meaning for any opposing force or circumstance that hinders progress. the logic of the word is transparent, combining the concept of direction ('head') with the natural phenomenon ('wind') to create a vivid metaphor for resistance.
Analysis
Structure: head (front) + wind (moving air)
head (old english 'hēafod', meaning the upper part of the body; used here in the sense of 'front' or 'forward part'); wind (old english 'wind', of germanic origin, meaning moving air).
Examples
the cyclists struggled against the strong headwind for the final twenty miles.
the new regulations created a significant headwind for the company's expansion plans.
flying east, the plane encountered a fierce headwind, adding an hour to the flight time.