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

Perhaps trying to head off White House criticism, the University of Michigan on Friday issued an unusual press release contending its survey closely tracked the views of political independents.

From MarketWatch • May 26, 2026

There has been a flurry of high-level diplomatic activity this week between mediators including Pakistan to head off new strikes on Iran.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026

Experts analyze what it would take to head off disaster.

From Los Angeles Times • May 15, 2026

Wembley is booked up the following weekend, after which players will head off on international duty.

From BBC • May 13, 2026

Then father and son would quietly read the paper and sip their coffee together before Bobby would rise, pat his Pop on the shoulder, and head off to ride the commuter train into Manhattan.

From "Eleven" by Tom Rogers