headlong Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite excessively quick
    hasty.
    • made a hasty exit
    • a headlong rush to sell
  2. adjective satellite with the head foremost
    headfirst.
    • a headfirst plunge down the stairs
    • a headlong dive into the pool
  3. adverb with the head foremost
    headfirst.
    • the runner slid headlong into third base
  4. adverb at breakneck speed
    precipitately.
    • burst headlong through the gate
  5. adverb in a hasty and foolhardy manner
    rashly.
    • he fell headlong in love with his cousin

WordNet

Head"long` adverb
Etymology
OE. hedling, hevedlynge; prob. confused with E. long, a. & adv.
Definitions
  1. With the head foremost; as, to fall headlong. Acts i. 18.
  2. Rashly; precipitately; without deliberation.
  3. Hastily; without delay or respite.
Head"long adjective
Definitions
  1. Rash; precipitate; as, headlong folly.
  2. Steep; precipitous. Poetic
    Like a tower upon a headlong rock. Byron.

Webster 1913