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

After Osbourne famously bit the head off a real bat on stage, the HHN Hollywood house included a scene where a giant bat bit the head off of the late rocker. — Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Aug. 2026

Alba had previously spoken to PEOPLE about getting ready for the moment Honor headed off to college. — Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2026

He was dedicated to the sport and competed regionally and locally in the Midwest, winning competitions before heading off to college. — Marissa Sulek, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026

Hitting that marker is expected to trigger another in the series of partisan showdowns in Washington over the years to head off a potentially devastating US payments default. — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2026