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

This means strong oversight and safeguards to head off unintended consequences. —Brian Neely, Forbes, 12 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

According to 2024 data, some 25 million Americans fear flying to some degree, which can interfere with travel plans and even lead some to stay home rather than head off on adventures of a lifetime. —Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 11 Mar. 2025