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

Examples of head off in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The remainder of the story concerns the town’s efforts to head off a full-scale nuclear meltdown jeopardizing millions of lives. —Jordan Riefe, Los Angeles Times, 9 Aug. 2024

Homes that have too few staffers or nonexistent or perfunctory training for employees have a harder time heading off resident conflicts. —Jordan Rau, CNN, 15 Aug. 2024

The adjacent family room is poised to be the post-meal recovery outpost before heading off to bed. —Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 14 Aug. 2024

EVgo has been trying to head off such communications glitches through advanced testing of more than 70 electric vehicle models at its El Segundo, California, charging lab. —Joann Muller, Axios, 14 Aug. 2024