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

Many ideas to shore up Social Security and head off benefits cuts have been floated but none have gained enough traction to pass Congress. — Medora Lee, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2026

Saudi Arabia may give the UN nuclear watchdog greater inspection powers as part of its attempts to get a nuclear deal with the US approved and head off criticism that the agreement does not sufficiently limit proliferation risks. — Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 9 Sep. 2026

In Mozart’s original, two Italian soldiers decide to test their lovers’ fidelity by pretending to head off to war. — ABC News, 5 Sep. 2026

The state is the oldest in the country by the average age of its residents, with the youth heading off to cities or the West. — Mark Sappenfield, Christian Science Monitor, 4 Sep. 2026