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

This fall, Underscores is heading off on tour in support of Charli xcx—the perfect end to a banner year. — Vogue, 14 Aug. 2026

Later that morning, 17-year-old Anthony and 14-year-old Diane headed off to school. — Dateline Nbc, NBC news, 13 Aug. 2026

With too much shotgun recoil, shooters tend to pull their head off the stock or get inconsistent with their gun mount. — Alex Robinson, Outdoor Life, 12 Aug. 2026

Giada De Laurentiis’s daughter, Jade, is heading off to college—New York University, specifically—and the chef and her ex-husband Todd Thompson reunited to celebrate the milestone. — Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 11 Aug. 2026