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

intransitive verb

: to go to another place
See you later—I'm heading off to work.

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Many Latinos are canceling doctor appointments to head off possible confrontation with immigration enforcement officials. Phillip Reese, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2025 Some colleges appear to be subtly trying to head off parental overengagement. Russell Shaw, The Atlantic, 2 Nov. 2025 Before then, William heads off solo to Brazil for a week around his innovative environmental awards, the Earthshot Prize. Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025 Couples who choose to sleep apart can still nurture connection and intimacy by sharing an evening wind-down routine before heading off to separate sleeping arrangements, Troxel suggested. Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for head off

Word History

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of head off was in 1825

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Cite this Entry

“Head off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/head%20off. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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