Spear

A weapon with a long shaft and a sharp pointed head, used for thrusting or throwing, To pierce or stab with a spear or similar object, A long, pointed structural element in various contexts

Spear - Meanings

A weapon with a long shaft and a sharp pointed head, used for thrusting or throwing

Example: The warrior wielded his spear with precision on the battlefield.

Usage: formalContext: historical contexts, military discussions

Note: Commonly associated with ancient warfare and hunting practices.

To pierce or stab with a spear or similar object

Example: The hunter speared the fish in the river.

Usage: informalContext: fishing, hunting, or survival situations

Note: Often used in outdoor activities and describing swift actions.

A long, pointed structural element in various contexts

Example: The architect designed a building with a striking spear-like structure.

Usage: formalContext: architecture, design, or symbolism

Note: Used metaphorically to describe sharp or pointed features in non-weapon contexts.

Spear's synonyms

lance

A long weapon with a pointed end, typically used by horsemen in medieval warfare.

Example: The knight rode into battle with his lance held high.

Note: A lance is often associated with mounted combat or jousting.

pike

A long weapon with a pointed metal head, used by infantry soldiers in early modern warfare.

Example: The soldier wielded a pike to defend the castle walls.

Note: A pike is usually longer and heavier than a spear, designed for thrusting and keeping opponents at a distance.

javelin

A light spear thrown as a weapon or in competitive sports.

Example: The athlete hurled the javelin with precision during the competition.

Note: A javelin is specifically designed for throwing, often used in track and field events.

glaive

A European polearm weapon with a single-edged blade on the end.

Example: The warrior brandished a glaive, ready to engage in combat.

Note: A glaive has a blade attached to the end, making it more similar to a polearm than a traditional spear.

Spear expressions, common phrases

At the spearhead

Being at the forefront or leading position of a movement, project, or initiative.

Example: She is at the spearhead of the company's new marketing campaign.

Note: The original word 'spear' refers to a weapon, while this phrase metaphorically represents being in a leading position.

Under the spear

Being under the direct command or authority of someone.

Example: The soldiers marched under the spear of their commander.

Note: In this context, 'spear' symbolizes authority or control.

Spearhead a campaign

To lead or initiate a campaign, project, or movement.

Example: He spearheaded the initiative to raise funds for the local charity.

Note: The word 'spearhead' is a verb derived from 'spear' and implies taking the forefront position in starting or leading an effort.

At the tip of the spear

Being at the cutting edge or forefront of a specific field or industry.

Example: Our team is at the tip of the spear when it comes to innovation in our industry.

Note: Similar to 'at the spearhead,' this phrase uses 'spear' metaphorically to represent being in a leading, innovative position.

Spear someone's heart

To deeply hurt or emotionally wound someone.

Example: The betrayal felt like a spear through his heart.

Note: Here, 'spear' is used figuratively to express the intensity of emotional pain, rather than a physical weapon.

Spear of influence

Significant power or sway that a person or entity has over others.

Example: The professor held a great spear of influence over his students.

Note: In this case, 'spear' symbolizes power and control in a figurative sense.

Spear in the side

An unexpected setback or obstacle that causes trouble or harm.

Example: The unexpected cost increase was a spear in the side for the project budget.

Note: Here, 'spear' is used metaphorically to describe an unforeseen issue rather than a physical weapon.

Spear everyday (slang) expressions

Spear someone's privacy

To invade or breach someone's personal boundaries or privacy.

Example: Stop trying to spear my privacy by asking so many personal questions.

Note: This slang term uses 'spear' in a figurative sense to convey a forceful intrusion or violation.

Spearing through traffic

To drive rapidly and skillfully through congested traffic.

Example: I made good time on the highway by spearing through traffic.

Note: In this context, 'spearing' is used metaphorically to describe swift and precise movement, unlike the physical act of thrusting a spear.

Spearheaded the project

To lead, initiate, or take charge of a project or task.

Example: She spearheaded the project and ensured its success.

Note: Though related to the literal meaning of 'spear,' in this context, 'spearhead' refers to leading or initiating rather than wielding a weapon.

Spearheaded the movement

To lead, pioneer, or champion a cause or initiative.

Example: He spearheaded the environmental movement in his community.

Note: Similar to 'spearheading a project,' this term involves taking the lead or playing a leading role in a specific cause or movement.

Get a spear on

To start or focus on something with determination or urgency.

Example: I need to get a spear on studying for my exams.

Note: Using 'spear' in this slang implies a sense of direct and focused action, similar to how a spear is aimed precisely at a target.

Spearheaded a new fashion trend

To initiate or lead the way in starting a new trend.

Example: The celebrity spearheaded a new fashion trend with her unique style.

Note: In this context, 'spearheaded' is used figuratively to mean taking the lead in setting a new trend rather than in a military context.

Spearheaded a new initiative

To lead or drive forward a new plan, strategy, or campaign.

Example: The company spearheaded a new marketing initiative to attract younger customers.

Note: Here, 'spearhead' is used metaphorically to emphasize proactive leadership in implementing a new idea or strategy.

Spear - Examples

The warrior threw his spear at the enemy.

The ancient Greeks used spears in battle.

The hunter attached a spearhead to his wooden shaft.

Spear grammar

Spear - Noun (Noun) / Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass)

Lemma: spear

Conjugations

Noun, plural (Noun, plural): spears

Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): spear

Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): speared

Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): spearing

Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): spears

Verb, base form (Verb, base form): spear

Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): spear

Syllabification and Stress

spear Contains 1 syllables: spear

Phonetic transcription: ˈspir

spear , ˈspir (The red syllable is stressed)

Spear - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.

spear: ~ 4300 (Common).

This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

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