headquarter
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈhɛdkwɔːtə/
KK: /ˈhɛdˌkwɔrtər/
intransitive verb
Definition
To set up a main office or center for an organization or group.
Example
The company decided to headquarter its operations in New York City.
Tense Forms
Past: headquartered
Past Participle: headquartered
Conversation
Did you hear that they are going to headquarter the new project in our city?
Really? That's exciting news for us!
Yeah, I think it will bring a lot of opportunities.
Absolutely, I can't wait to see how it all unfolds.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
base
station
locate
Antonyms
disperse
depart
scatter
transitive verb
Definition
To establish or provide a central office or location for an organization or company.
Example
The company decided to headquarter its operations in a new building downtown.
Tense Forms
Past: headquartered
Past Participle: headquartered
Conversation
I heard that the company will headquarter in a new city soon.
Really? That's interesting! Where are they moving to?
They're planning to headquarter in Austin next year.
Root Explanation
Headquarter → It is formed from "head" (from Old English "heafod", meaning the top or leader) and "quarter" (from Old French "quartier", meaning a place or district). The word "headquarter" refers to the main office or center of operations, where leadership is located.
Memory Tip
Think of the 'head' as the leader and 'quarter' as a place — a headquarter is the place where the leader operates.
Visually Confused Words
subheadquarters
aquarter
hindquarter