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
Ross had noticed the plane was packed with children, likely due to the end of the school year and families heading off on summer vacations.
—
Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025
In March, more than a fifth of the employees at the Chicago Sun-Times took a buyout, including 23 reporters and editors, heading off potential layoffs in a sweeping cost-cutting initiative by nonprofit owner Chicago Public Media.
—Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2025
After their graduation, which will take place at Hofstra University in Hempstead on Sunday, most of the twins are heading off to different colleges across the U.S.
Aiden and Chloe Manzo, however, are both attending the University of Florida to study business — though with different majors.
—Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 21 June 2025
After graduation Most of the twins at Plainview-Old Bethpage are heading off to different colleges.
—Philip Marcelo, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for head off
Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025
In March, more than a fifth of the employees at the Chicago Sun-Times took a buyout, including 23 reporters and editors, heading off potential layoffs in a sweeping cost-cutting initiative by nonprofit owner Chicago Public Media.
—Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2025
After their graduation, which will take place at Hofstra University in Hempstead on Sunday, most of the twins are heading off to different colleges across the U.S.
Aiden and Chloe Manzo, however, are both attending the University of Florida to study business — though with different majors.
—Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 21 June 2025
After graduation Most of the twins at Plainview-Old Bethpage are heading off to different colleges.
—Philip Marcelo, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for head off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for head off
Verb
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Sitting in a chair that supports movement, such as one with a self-adjusting recline mechanism, can help prevent this condition, according to Puleio.—
Angelica Stabile,
FOXNews.com,
11 July 2025
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How to prevent exposure to the plague To prevent exposure to plague, Coconino County officials have the following tips: Avoid contact with wild animals.—
Stephanie Innes,
AZCentral.com,
11 July 2025
Verb
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Thanks to their collective efforts, well over one million child deaths were averted.—
Jennifer Lotito,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
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In November, the city transit system averted a strike when the parties agreed to a one-year contract with 5% raises.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
2 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Head off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/head%20off. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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