spearhead
Lead or initiate an activity or project
Examples
In a meeting
“Maria will spearhead the diversity initiative starting next month.”
Over coffee
“Who's going to spearhead planning the reunion?”
Why this word
lead
Spearhead emphasizes pioneering and driving force, lead is general about being in front
initiate
Spearhead implies leading throughout, initiate focuses only on starting
head
Spearhead suggests active driving force, head is neutral about level of initiative
Usage tip
Use when someone is taking charge and driving an effort forward
Etymology
English compound — 'spear' (weapon point) + 'head' (front position)
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Related words
delegate
To assign a task or responsibility to someone else.
proactive
Acting in advance to deal with expected situations
pioneer
Be among the first to develop or apply something new
empower
To give someone the authority or confidence to do something
relinquish
Voluntarily give up control or possession of something
conscript
Enlist someone for service or duty, often without choice