-head

From Middle English -hed, -hede, attested from the 12th century, continuing a hypothetical Old English *-hǣde ("-hood"), from Proto-Germanic *haidį̄ ("state, condition"), related to Proto-Germanic *haiduz ("manner, character, quality, state") (cognate with German -heit, Gothic 𐌷𐌰𐌹𐌳𐌿𐍃 (haidus)). Originally restricted to adjectives, the suffix began to be attached to nouns as well from at least the 15th century, leading to confusion with the -hood suffix (Old English -hād), and finally to the wide replacement of -head by -hood even in adjectives.

Full definition of -head

Suffix

1. Used to create nouns indicating a state, similar to the suffix -hood.

Derived terms

• godhead
• maidenhead
• notefulhead
• widowhead

Combining form of the noun head.

Suffix

1. Used to form (usually derogatory) words for people who regularly use a specified drug or other substance, such as alcohol, or who are addicted in some way.
2. Used to form words to describe people who are fans of something, especially music.

Derived terms