Definition

Noun: 1. Headquarters: The central or main office or location from which an organization, especially a military unit, is commanded and administered. It is the primary place where leaders are based and key decisions are made.

Usage

• HQ is almost always used as an abbreviation for "headquarters." It functions as a singular or plural noun.
• It is commonly preceded by a determiner (the, our, their) and often follows a name or designation (e.g., , ).

Examples

• Noun:
  • The general established his HQ in the captured city.
  • All reports must be sent to HQ for approval.
  • The rebels attacked the enemy's forward HQ.

Advanced Usage

• "to set up HQ": To establish a central command post.
  • The relief agency set up its HQ near the disaster zone.
• "at HQ": Located at or pertaining to the main headquarters.
  • The decision was made by the officers at HQ.

Variants and Related Words

• Headquarters (n): The full, unabbreviated form of HQ. It can be used with a singular or plural verb.
  • The headquarters is in London. (Referring to the institution as a single entity)
  • The headquarters are in London. (Referring to the physical buildings or the people within)
• Command post (n): A synonym, often used for a temporary military headquarters in the field.
• Base of operations (n): A broader term for a central location from which activities are directed.

Synonyms

• Command center
• Nerve center
• Main office
• Base

Related Phrases

• Field HQ: A temporary headquarters established away from the main, permanent headquarters, typically closer to an area of operations.
  • The general moved to his field HQ to oversee the battle.
• HQ staff: The personnel who work at the headquarters.
  • The HQ staff worked through the night to prepare the briefing.

Noun

1. the military installation from which a commander performs the functions of command
   • the general's headquarters were a couple of large tents