head wind
Air resisting forward
A head wind is a wind blowing directly against the direction of travel, making forward movement more difficult.
Pilots and cyclists encounter head winds that slow their progress and increase fuel or energy consumption.
The term extends figuratively to any obstacle or opposing force that impedes progress: The company faced head winds from rising interest rates and supply chain disruptions.
The opposite is a tail wind, which aids forward motion.
- gustBrief wind surge
- resistanceCapacity to withstand force
- dragResistance through fluid
- pushForce something away
- aerodynamicsPhysics of air motion
airflow · force · sailing · adversity · uphill battle · blast · aviation · hinderance · obstacle · setback · downdraft · challenge · tough going · impediment · opposition · jet stream · racing · hardship