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

The staunchly antiunion Ford also hoped it would head off attempts at labor organizing.

From Barron's • May 20, 2026

Experts analyze what it would take to head off disaster.

From Los Angeles Times • May 15, 2026

Keir Starmer has said he will prove his doubters wrong in a speech designed to head off a leadership challenge following his party's heavy election losses.

From BBC • May 11, 2026

It is important and inspirational and hopefully encourages others to pick up their pens or head off to do some crate digging or other cultural archeology.

From Salon • Apr. 14, 2026

“I saw you two head off by yourselves,” he says.

From "Amari and the Night Brothers" by B.B. Alston