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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of head off
On the docket next week: The council heads off on another recess, this time for Passover (which starts Saturday at sundown) and Good Friday.
—
Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2025
Jeffrey is next shown heading off to prison, only to be mounting an escape in quick succession.
—Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 3 Apr. 2025
With both lanes blocked, the driver attempted to drive around the closure as a trooper attempted to head off the pickup by blocking it against the Jersey barrier in the center median.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 2 Apr. 2025
The comedian also revealed that Kenna would be heading off to graduate school in Chicago to become a doctor of psychology.
—Francesca Gariano, People.com, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for head off
Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2025
Jeffrey is next shown heading off to prison, only to be mounting an escape in quick succession.
—Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 3 Apr. 2025
With both lanes blocked, the driver attempted to drive around the closure as a trooper attempted to head off the pickup by blocking it against the Jersey barrier in the center median.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 2 Apr. 2025
The comedian also revealed that Kenna would be heading off to graduate school in Chicago to become a doctor of psychology.
—Francesca Gariano, People.com, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for head off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for head off
Verb
-
Perhaps more important, though, is doing your best to prevent those flares in the first place.—
Sierra Leone Starks,
Allure,
18 Apr. 2025
-
Some states, such as California, New Jersey and Illinois, have sanctuary laws that prevent local jurisdictions from signing 287(g) agreements.—
Julia Ingram,
CBS News,
18 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Though a breakup was averted, the Microsoft case established a legal precedent for how the U.S. government could pursue monopolistic tech companies, Weinstein said.—
Jaclyn Diaz,
NPR,
24 Apr. 2025
-
If Trump brings his tariffs down enough, investors believe a recession could be averted.—
Stan Choe,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Head off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/head%20off. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share