head-hunting

noun

head-hunt·​ing ˈhed-ˌhən-tiŋ How to pronounce head-hunting (audio)
1
: the act or custom of seeking out, decapitating, and preserving the heads of enemies as trophies
2
: a seeking to deprive usually political enemies of position or influence

Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of head-hunting was in 1853

Dictionary Entries Near head-hunting

Cite this Entry

“Head-hunting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/head-hunting. Accessed 10 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

head-hunting

noun
head-hunt·​ing
-ˌhənt-iŋ
: the practice of cutting off and preserving the heads of enemies
headhunter noun
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