spearhead
Meaning
the sharp point of a spear
a person or group that leads an attack or movement
to lead an attack or movement
Structure
Usage
the new division will act as the spearhead for our expansion into the asian market.
she was chosen to spearhead the company's environmental initiative.
archaeologists discovered a bronze age spearhead in remarkably good condition.
Etymology
the word 'spearhead' is a transparent compound from old english, formed from 'spere' (spear) and 'heafod' (head). its literal meaning, the pointed tip of a spear, is a direct combination of its parts. this concrete meaning evolved metaphorically to denote the leading element of an advancing force or movement, as the spearhead is the first part to make contact. the verb sense, meaning to lead such an advance, developed naturally from this noun in the early 20th century.
Analysis
spear (old english, a weapon with a long shaft and a sharp point) + head (old english, the top or front part of something)