To be the leader or driving force of an effort, project, or movement; to lead from the front.
From 'spear' (Old English 'spere') and 'head,' literally meaning the pointed tip of a spear. The metaphor comes from military formations where the sharpest point leads the attack.
Military formations literally had 'spearheads'—the soldiers with actual spears forming the sharp point of attack. This became a perfect metaphor for leadership because the person leading an effort is like the tip of the weapon that hits first and goes deepest. The military metaphor got adopted into business language.
Spearhead derives from military context where men historically held combat roles. The metaphorical use—leading an initiative—erases women's parallel leadership contributions in advocacy, organization, and strategy.
Use 'lead', 'champion', 'pioneer', or 'drive' instead. These terms are gender-neutral and emphasize agency without military gendering.
["lead","champion","pioneer","drive","front"]
Women have directed major movements (suffrage, civil rights, labor organizing) yet their leadership is often described passively. Use 'spearheaded' for historical accuracy when women led campaigns.
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