head off

verb

headed off; heading off; heads off

transitive verb

: to turn back or turn aside : block, prevent

head them off at the pass

attempts to head off the imminent crisis

Synonyms

• avert
• forestall
• help
• obviate
• preclude
• prevent
• stave off

Examples of head off in a Sentence

if we act quickly, we may still be able to head off disaster

Recent Examples on the Web

Deutch called out as Depp prepared to head off into the night. —Sam Sussman, Vogue, 2 Mar. 2025

And so, as the industry headed off to some traditionally lavish aferparties – Warner Music going hard at Claridge’s, Sony Music taking over the Nobu Hotel and Universal hosting at 180 Studios – there was a sense of hope in the air, although still plenty to ponder. —Mark Sutherland, Variety, 2 Mar. 2025

Mexican government The transfer comes as top Mexican officials are in Washington, D.C., trying to head off the Trump administration's threat of imposing 25% tariffs on all Mexican imports next week. —CBS News, 28 Feb. 2025

In addition to fiscal measures, Lee also thinks the Federal Reserve could take a dovish turn and indicate a greater inclination toward lowering interest rates to head off an economic slowdown. —Jeff Cox, CNBC, 28 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for head off

• ashraf
• checkoff
• cutoff
• falloff
• handoff
• kickoff
• layoff
• liftoff
• markoff
• markov
• payoff
• playoff