I. ˈ ̷ ̷|lȯŋ also -|läŋ adverb
Etymology: Middle English hedlong, alteration of hedling, from hed head + -ling
1. : with the head foremost : headfirst
2. : without deliberation : rashly , recklessly , heedlessly
3. : without delay or pause : in a rush : unswervingly
II. ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ adjective
1. : impetuous , rash , precipitate , reckless
her childlikeness, her headlong sympathies, the impulsive traits that endeared — W.R.Benét
such personal possessions as they had been able to carry with them in their headlong flight — E.J.Phelan
2. : plunging headforemost
a headlong dive into the pool
3. archaic : steep , precipitous
like a tower upon a headlong rock — Lord Byron
Synonyms: see precipitate