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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of head off
That means in the midst of negotiations to wrap things up at the state Capitol, the governor — for 77 straight years now — heads off to a lake or river to celebrate angling on the state’s abundant waterways.
—
Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 9 May 2025
To head off Shea’s plan, the American League and the National League each agreed to add two new teams, including a National League team in New York City which would be principally owned by Payson.
—Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 5 May 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for head off
Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 9 May 2025
To head off Shea’s plan, the American League and the National League each agreed to add two new teams, including a National League team in New York City which would be principally owned by Payson.
—Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 5 May 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for head off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for head off
Verb
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Megan had filed a restraining order against Lanez in December 2024 asking that the Los Angeles Superior Court judge prevent Lanez from allegedly harassing Megan from prison through third parties during his10-year jail sentence.—
Ilana Kaplan,
People.com,
12 May 2025
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Routine cleaning and maintenance can also lower energy bills and improve the air quality in your home by eliminating dust and preventing mold and mildew from forming.—
Jolie Kerr,
Better Homes & Gardens,
12 May 2025
Verb
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Murphy expressed particular alarm over his party’s tactics after Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) opted to avert a government shutdown this spring.—
Emily Hallas,
The Washington Examiner,
18 May 2025
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The city plans to avert further layoffs by transferring employees to the proprietary departments, like the harbor, the airport and perhaps the Department of Water & Power.—
Noah Goldberg,
Los Angeles Times,
17 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Head off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/head%20off. Accessed 23 May. 2025.
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