Synonyms of head off

head off

verb

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

• prevent
• avert
• stave off
• preclude
• avoid
• help
• obviate
• forestall
• escape
• provide
• interfere (with)
• anticipate
• ward (off)
• fend (off)
• make up (for)
• save
• compensate (for)
• shake
• evade
• thwart
• nullify
• deter
• neutralize
• hinder
• impede
• retard
• hamper
• offset
• stop
• balk
• deflect
• negate
• block
• prohibit
• elude
• shun
• stall
• frustrate
• forbid
• eschew
• foil
• circumvent
• counteract
• check
• bar
• counterbalance
• duck
• arrest
• inhibit
• dodge
• halt
• shirk
• checkmate
• baffle

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• aid
• assist
• facilitate
• ease
• forward
• smooth
• promote
• advance
• encourage
• further
• let
• leave
• permit
• foster
• cultivate
• abet
• allow
• unclog
• nurture

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of head off

With his new Nebraska collegiate ball cap and now headed off to university, the sleeper agent has some vital decisions to make way beyond declaring a major. — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 17 Oct. 2026

At one point, the owner can be seen pointing in a different direction, then heads off to help another customer. — Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 14 Oct. 2026

Unionized staff at the Whitney Museum in New York ratified its second contract Sunday night, hours ahead a strike deadline, narrowly heading off a disruption to the opening of a forthcoming Roy Lichtenstein retrospective. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 5 Oct. 2026

Earlier this year, Newsom called for local elections clerks to count ballots faster to head off misinformation ahead of the June 2 primary. — Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2026