head off

verb

Definition of head offnext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of head off As Central America faces the possibility of severe drought, food insecurity, and high costs for fuel and fertilizer, regional governments will likely have to suspend fuel taxes (and forgo substantial revenues) to head off protests. — Dan Restrepo, Foreign Affairs, 30 Sep. 2026 The roommate confronted Long, who denied installing the device before heading off to class, according to the report. — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2026 In an emotional night, fans packed Mohegan Sun Arena to watch their team’s final game before heading off to Houston for the 2027 season. — Jessica Hill, Hartford Courant, 25 Sep. 2026 From that central hive, passengers can head off to, say, the two-story beach club with dining at water level (and space for 24). — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for head off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for head off
  1. prevent
  2. avert
Verb
  • Kenyan President William Ruto said in 2023 that government agencies should have been able to prevent the deaths.
    — Jefferson Kahinju Reuters, Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2026
  • The titanium frame will naturally handle all kinds of impact, and the flashlight's battery chamber is sealed to prevent water damage.
    — Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of prevent
Verb
  • Jackson averted a suspension ahead of this season when authorities declined to file formal criminal charges after he was arrested on suspicion of felony domestic violence.
    — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
  • In Spaceship Earth, when a mission to avert an imminent global cataclysm goes awry, a small band of teenagers from Earth’s past and future must join forces to confront a threat as vast and mysterious as time itself.
    — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of avert

Browse Nearby Words

headmost
head off
head-on
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Cite this Entry

“Head off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/head%20off. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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