headlong

²head·long

adj \-ˌlȯŋ\

Definition of HEADLONG

1

archaic : steep, precipitous

2

: lacking in calmness or restraint : precipitate <a headlong torrent of emotion>

3

: plunging headfirst

Examples of HEADLONG

1. <terrified forest creatures in a headlong retreat from the rapidly spreading fire>

First Known Use of HEADLONG

circa 1550

Related to HEADLONG

Synonyms: cursory, drive-by, flying, gadarene, hasty, helter-skelter, hurried, overhasty, pell-mell, precipitate, precipitous, rash, rushed

Antonyms: deliberate, unhurried, unrushed

Related Words: breakneck, breathtaking; headstrong, heady, hotheaded, impatient, impetuous, impulsive, madcap, reckless, unadvised; quick, rapid, speedy, swift; horseback, impromptu, makeshift, offhand, offhanded, off-the-cuff, rush, slapdash, snap, spontaneous, spur-of-the-moment; abrupt, sudden

Near Antonyms: calculated, calculating, measured; circumspect, foresighted, forethoughtful; drawn-out, extended, long-term, prolonged; faltering, hesitant, hesitating, tentative; dallying, dawdling, laggard, leisurely, poky (or pokey), shilly-shallying, slow

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See Synonym Discussion at precipitate