as in to prevent
to keep from happening by taking action in advance
if we act quickly, we may still be able to head off disaster
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Recent Examples of head off
On the docket next week: The council heads off on another recess, this time for Passover (which starts Saturday at sundown) and Good Friday.
—
Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2025
Jeffrey is next shown heading off to prison, only to be mounting an escape in quick succession.
—Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 3 Apr. 2025
With both lanes blocked, the driver attempted to drive around the closure as a trooper attempted to head off the pickup by blocking it against the Jersey barrier in the center median.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 2 Apr. 2025
The comedian also revealed that Kenna would be heading off to graduate school in Chicago to become a doctor of psychology.
—Francesca Gariano, People.com, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for head off
Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2025
Jeffrey is next shown heading off to prison, only to be mounting an escape in quick succession.
—Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 3 Apr. 2025
With both lanes blocked, the driver attempted to drive around the closure as a trooper attempted to head off the pickup by blocking it against the Jersey barrier in the center median.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 2 Apr. 2025
The comedian also revealed that Kenna would be heading off to graduate school in Chicago to become a doctor of psychology.
—Francesca Gariano, People.com, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for head off
Cite this Entry
“Head off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/head%20off. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.
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