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

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.
After Thursday’s loss and emotional breakdowns, Świątek grabbed her back and quickly headed off the court. Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 1 May 2025 In the weeks following their high school graduation, Bella and Edward get married and head off on a romantic honeymoon. Francesca Gariano, People.com, 1 May 2025 Companies weren’t alone in trying to head off upcoming price hikes. Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025 To stay submerged for a staggering three minutes before heading off for the facial. Irene Coltrinari, Vogue, 18 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for head off

Word History

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined above

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!