spearhead

Etymology

From Middle English spere-hed; equivalent to spear + head.

noun

1. The pointed head, or end, of a spear.
2. One who leads or initiates an activity (such as an attack or a campaign).
   Spearheads of the NER bargain fares attack this year have been the introduction of weekend fares at a 7s 6d in the £ discount on ordinary rates between principal stations throughout the Region—…. 1964 September, G. Freeman Allen, “Interim report on the East Coast Route express service”, in Modern Railways, pages 158–159
3. The leading military unit in an attack.
4. (sports) A player who initiates attacking moves.
   England played at a tempo in attack that was too much for Bulgaria, with width provided at various times by Walcott, Young and Stewart Downing and Rooney acting as the potent spearhead. September 2, 2011, Phil McNulty, “Bulgaria 0-3 England”, in BBC

verb

1. (transitive) To drive or campaign ardently for, as an effort, project, etc.
   He spearheaded the entire project from day one.
   Newcastle have put themselves within touching distance after a fantastic run which has been spearheaded by the goals of Senegal striker Cisse. April 21, 2012, Jonathan Jurejko, “Newcastle 3-0 Stoke”, in BBC Sport
   George Monks spearheaded the project to solve this problem with a funicular, and work on the Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway (L&LCR) began in 1887. January 13 2021, Dr Joseph Brennan, “Spectacular funiculars”, in RAIL, issue 922, page 53