Synonyms of head off

head off

verb

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• prevent
• avert
• stave off
• preclude
• avoid
• help
• obviate
• forestall
• escape
• provide
• interfere (with)
• anticipate
• ward (off)
• fend (off)
• make up (for)
• save
• compensate (for)
• shake
• evade
• thwart
• nullify
• deter
• neutralize
• hinder
• impede
• retard
• hamper
• offset
• stop
• balk
• deflect
• negate
• block
• prohibit
• elude
• shun
• stall
• frustrate
• forbid
• eschew
• foil
• circumvent
• counteract
• check
• bar
• counterbalance
• duck
• arrest
• inhibit
• dodge
• halt
• shirk
• checkmate
• baffle

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• aid
• assist
• facilitate
• ease
• forward
• smooth
• promote
• advance
• encourage
• further
• let
• leave
• permit
• foster
• cultivate
• abet
• allow
• unclog
• nurture

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of head off

With the Oscars just hours away, the energy was electric—guests snapped photos, mingled, and soaked in the last moments of pre-awards anticipation before heading off into the night. —Jamila Stewart, Vogue, 2 Mar. 2025

Saldaña’s Eva is willing to put in the work and snap someone’s head off, which makes her triumphant, climactic performance that much more cathartic. —Megan Vick, EW.com, 1 Mar. 2025

Burt buys Irving a one-way ticket and wishes him well as Irving heads off into the unknown. —Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 14 Mar. 2025

Gym and sports equipment will also be tariffed, though manufacturers may have stockpiled some materials in anticipation of the tariffs going into effect, enabling them to head off price hikes for a short period, Mosley noted. —Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 12 Mar. 2025