head off

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

Idioms and Phrases

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 .

Example Sentences

This was done in season, on account of our ignorance of all the soundings, and we had soon got the John's head off-shore again.

From Project Gutenberg

Tristan smites Morold's head off,-298- but a piece of the sword remains in the skull.

From Project Gutenberg

Sail was at once shortened on board the Hermione, and the ship hove to, with her head off-shore.

From Project Gutenberg

But same time, while she no notion o' gitt'n' him cotch, she believe she dess djuty-bound to head-off his devilment.

From Project Gutenberg