Headstrong

Headstrong is an adjective used to describe a person who is determined to achieve what they want and who resists guidance or authority, often in a stubborn or obstinate way. While it can imply commendable persistence, it more commonly carries a negative connotation, suggesting inflexibility or a refusal to adjust course in light of new information.

Etymology and sense development trace the term to head and strong, signaling a robust will or firm-mindedness. The phrasing has been in English for several centuries, with early uses emphasizing mental fortitude or stubborn resolve.

In usage, headstrong behavior can manifest as persistent pursuit of a goal despite obstacles or warnings. It is not a clinical term, but it describes a behavioral pattern that may be advantageous in some situations yet problematic in others, especially when it undermines cooperation, safety, or relationships. The expression is often applied to children, athletes, or leaders, where decisive action is valued but excessive rigidity is criticized.

Related terms include hard-headed, stubborn, and willful. Headstrong differs from merely determined in that it emphasizes volition and obstinacy rather than calculated judgment; it may overlap with the positive sense of courage or autonomy in more favorable contexts.

In popular culture, the word appears in titles and descriptions, illustrating its enduring presence in everyday language. For example, the 2002 rock song Headstrong by Trapt has contributed to the term’s recognition in contemporary media.