Etymology From Middle English *hedwind, from Old English hēafodwind, equivalent to head + wind. Cognate with Old Norse höfuðvindr.
1
Natural sciences, Nautical, Physical sciences, Physics, Transport 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.
Transferred sense
"Domestic economic activity has been gaining traction in spite of formidable headwinds from external developments," the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said in its monthly bulletin.2022 June 16, Swati Bhat, “India's economic prospects firm despite global headwinds, says RBI”, in Gareth Jones, editor, Reuters, archived from the original on 16 Jun 2022, Macro Matters:
At the same time, Faludi, who is working on a new book about the headwinds feminism is facing, suggested that the movement itself has grown sectarian and insular.2022 June 17, Michelle Goldberg, “The Future Isn’t Female Anymore”, in The New York Times, archived from the original on 21 Jul 2022:
1 more example
“The increasing appetite for obesity drugs will have myriad implications, boosting sectors such as biotech and creating headwinds for industries such as food and beverage,” the bank’s report said.2024 February 29, Edward Helmore, “Oprah Winfrey announces she is stepping down from WeightWatchers”, in The Guardian, →ISSN, archived from the original on 13 Mar 2024:
headwind
verb
Etymology From Middle English *hedwind, from Old English hēafodwind, equivalent to head + wind. Cognate with Old Norse höfuðvindr.
1
Uncommon To blow directly against the course of a vehicle, like an aircraft, train, or ship.