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

Examples of head-hunting in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Conflict may have brewed between the two groups, perhaps related to trade, head-hunting or slavery. Christopher Parker, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 June 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'head-hunting.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 19 Mar. 2024.

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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