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 Sentences

Recent Examples of head off

Guests sipped espresso martinis and shimmied to a band performing camp classics from the Pointer Sisters to Tina Turner before heading off into the typically drizzly London night. —Liam Hess, Vogue, 2 Dec. 2024

Now streaming on Prime Video, the coming-of-age tale with a dash of fantasy centers on 18-year-old Elliott (Maisy Stella), who’s in the process of enjoying her final lakeside summer before heading off to the University of Toronto. —Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Nov. 2024

According to the foundation, Germany needs almost 300,000 new workers per year until 2040 to head off the worst effects of demographic decline. —Frey Lindsay, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2024

California is already looking to head off any moves by President-elect Donald Trump to slash electric vehicle subsidies — the latest sign of uncertainty for EVs next year that some analysts say prospective buyers should think about now. —J.j. McCorvey, NBC News, 26 Nov. 2024