head off

To act early to stop a problem or unwanted event from happening.

• We must head off trouble.
• The talks headed off a strike.
• Extra supplies could head off a food shortage.

How to use it: head something off (Early action helped us head the problem off.)

Similar words: prevent, avert, forestall

Common phrases: head off trouble, head off a crisis, head off something

To leave a place and begin travelling somewhere.

• We should head off now.
• She headed off to work early.
• What time are you heading off tomorrow?

How to use it: head off to somewhere (We headed off to the beach after breakfast.)

Similar words: leave, set off, depart

Opposites: arrive

Common phrases: head off home, head off to work, head off early, head off to school

To get in front of someone moving and stop them from continuing.

• We headed off the escaping sheep.
• The police headed off the suspect at the bridge.
• Can you head him off before he reaches the road?

How to use it: head someone off (The guards headed them off at the gate.)

Similar words: intercept, block

Common phrases: head off someone, head off the escapees

To turn a boat so that its front points further away from the direction the wind comes from.

• The skipper told me to head off.
• We headed off slightly as the wind increased.
• Head off until the sails fill again.

Similar words: bear away, fall off

Opposites: head up

Common phrases: head off slightly, head off downwind