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
Ferdinand heads off to Fox Studios for his show with Corden, which puts him in a relaxed setting, beers on the table, talking about the day’s action.
—
Laurie Whitwell,
New York Times,
25 June 2026
Like many security suites, Avast One Ultimate tries to head off that unfortunate possibility by supplying features to improve performance.
—
Neil J. Rubenking,
PC Magazine,
24 June 2026
And the last night before Kimmel heads off on his two-month-long break would not be complete without a Matt Damon sighting.
—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
19 June 2026
Local outfitters can provide the essentials—just pack your sunscreen and a cooler full of your favorite refreshments before heading off to one of these popular destinations.
—
Kelsey Yandura,
Midwest Living,
17 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for head off
Laurie Whitwell,
New York Times,
25 June 2026
Like many security suites, Avast One Ultimate tries to head off that unfortunate possibility by supplying features to improve performance.
—
Neil J. Rubenking,
PC Magazine,
24 June 2026
And the last night before Kimmel heads off on his two-month-long break would not be complete without a Matt Damon sighting.
—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
19 June 2026
Local outfitters can provide the essentials—just pack your sunscreen and a cooler full of your favorite refreshments before heading off to one of these popular destinations.
—
Kelsey Yandura,
Midwest Living,
17 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for head off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for head off
Verb
-
Cloud cover prevented a California Highway Patrol helicopter from reaching the injured climber directly, forcing the rescue to unfold in stages.
-
Increasing staff at medical facilities during heat waves could also prevent unnecessary deaths.
Verb
-
The author's experience shows caution, though slower, averts problems, contrasting with industry's rapid deployments that often encounter issues.
-
The deal averts a ballot referendum that backers from the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association said would’ve reigned in expansive local real estate taxes.
Cite this Entry
“Head off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/head%20off. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
