head off

British  

verb

1. to intercept and force to change direction

   to head off the stampede

2. to prevent or forestall (something that is likely to happen)

3. to depart or set out

   to head off to school

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head off Idioms  

1. Block the progress or completion of; also, intercept. For example, They worked round the clock to head off the flu epidemic, or Try to head him off before he gets home. [First half of 1800s] This expression gave rise to head someone off at the pass, which in Western films meant “to block someone at a mountain pass.” It then became a general colloquialism for intercepting someone, as in Jim is going to the boss's office—let's head him off at the pass.

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Example Sentences

"So you pay the amount. An hour later, they say it’ll be in your account. But it's not there. And you cry, you scream your head off."

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

I do not envy anyone who has found themselves in a position where they feel the need to preemptively head off charges of idolatry.

From Slate • Jun. 2, 2026

They'll take it and head off in reasonable heart.

From BBC • May 30, 2026

Experts analyze what it would take to head off disaster.

From Los Angeles Times • May 15, 2026

La Llorona lifted my head off the pillow and put a warm glass to my mouth.

From "Summer of the Mariposas" by Guadalupe García McCall