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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Recent Examples of head off
Clearly visible in the mouth of the enzyme were the cell surface molecules, positioned in a way that showed how the enzyme cuts the head off and turns it into a ring.
—
Matthew Cordes, The Conversation, 6 Apr. 2026
Betts, Rice, Jaquez and Leger-Walker are heading off to begin their professional basketball careers with the WNBA draft that is scheduled to be held on April 13.
—Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 5 Apr. 2026
Knowledgeable wranglers will make sure you’re settled onto your steed before the group heads off to see the wildlife, fauna, and flora throughout the park.
—Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 5 Apr. 2026
Berterame had redirected the ball toward Suarez with his head off a Silvetti corner kick.
—Miami Herald, 5 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for head off
Matthew Cordes, The Conversation, 6 Apr. 2026
Betts, Rice, Jaquez and Leger-Walker are heading off to begin their professional basketball careers with the WNBA draft that is scheduled to be held on April 13.
—Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 5 Apr. 2026
Knowledgeable wranglers will make sure you’re settled onto your steed before the group heads off to see the wildlife, fauna, and flora throughout the park.
—Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 5 Apr. 2026
Berterame had redirected the ball toward Suarez with his head off a Silvetti corner kick.
—Miami Herald, 5 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for head off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for head off
Verb
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Enzyme Inhibitor Peptides Enzyme inhibitor peptides help to prevent the breakdown of collagen, preserving the skin’s structure and slowing visible signs of aging.—
Brianna Peters,
Vogue,
22 Apr. 2026
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The chemical was developed in the early 1900s and came into wider use during World War II to prevent the spread of malaria and typhus.—
Andrea Thompson,
Scientific American,
22 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The latest domino to fall is Spirit Airlines, which is on the brink of collapse with no good options to avert it.—
Elaine Parker,
Oc Register,
24 Apr. 2026
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Matt Duchene tied it for Dallas on a power play midway through the third period, seconds after his backcheck on Matt Boldy averted a short-handed goal that would've put Minnesota up by two.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
23 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Head off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/head%20off. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
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