# headwind

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈhɛdˌwɪnd/ · frequency rank #66,715

## Definitions
1. A wind that blows directly against the course of a vehicle, like an aircraft, train, or ship.
2. A strong force that impedes or reverses progress.

## Etymology
From Middle English *hedwind, from Old English hēafodwind, equivalent to head + wind. Cognate with Old Norse höfuðvindr.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/headwind