headlong

/ˈhed-ˈlȯŋ/

Middle English hedlong, alteration of hedling, from hed head

adverb

  1. headfirst

  2. without deliberation : recklessly

  3. without pause or delay

adjective

  1. steep, precipitous

  2. lacking in calmness or restraint : precipitate

  3. plunging headfirst

precipitate headlong abrupt impetuous sudden mean showing undue haste or unexpectedness. precipitate stresses lack of due deliberation and implies prematureness of action. headlong stresses rashness and lack of forethought.