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

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

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

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

From BBC • May 13, 2026

She’s ready to go, ready to head off with the first quiet person she sees, ready to leave me behind at the first sweet beckoning.

From "The Knife of Never Letting Go" by Patrick Ness