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
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Recent Examples of head off
When Catelynn and Maci arrive later on, the two moms spend time catching up after everyone else heads off to their rooms.
—
Angela Andaloro, People.com, 2 May 2025
That’s certainly not enough to prevent prices from going up significantly for American consumers, nor to head off the likelihood that there will be shortages of basic goods, as foreign imports have slowed significantly over the past several weeks of the aggressive tariff posture.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 13 May 2025
Doing this can not only head off compliance risks, but also bolster confidence in the technology.
—Aytekin Tank, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
In her opening argument, prosecutor Elizabeth Johnson sought to head off the possible defense that Combs was having consensual relationships with the women.
—Anastasia Tsioulcas, NPR, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for head off
Angela Andaloro, People.com, 2 May 2025
That’s certainly not enough to prevent prices from going up significantly for American consumers, nor to head off the likelihood that there will be shortages of basic goods, as foreign imports have slowed significantly over the past several weeks of the aggressive tariff posture.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 13 May 2025
Doing this can not only head off compliance risks, but also bolster confidence in the technology.
—Aytekin Tank, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
In her opening argument, prosecutor Elizabeth Johnson sought to head off the possible defense that Combs was having consensual relationships with the women.
—Anastasia Tsioulcas, NPR, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for head off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for head off
Verb
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This means implementing strong guardrails that prevent models from generating harmful content, engaging in deceptive practices, or making decisions that violate human rights.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2025
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Among them are those the provide access to transportation, prevent social isolation, deliver meals and offer assistance with Medicare and Medicaid.—
Gloria Casas,
Chicago Tribune,
24 May 2025
Verb
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The enclave needs at least 500 to 600 trucks daily to avert a deepening humanitarian catastrophe, as civilians face a severe shortage of supplies like food and medicine, said UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees in Gaza.—
Jeremy Diamond,
CNN Money,
26 May 2025
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Matthew Barrett, president and CEO of the Connecticut Association of Health Care Facilities, the state’s largest nursing home coalition, praised Lamont and union leadership for averting a work stoppage.—
Keith M. Phaneuf,
Hartford Courant,
23 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Head off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/head%20off. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
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