head off

phr.v. to start a journey or leave a place to go somewhere else.

phr.v. to depart or begin a journey. This sense is intransitive and often used in casual conversation.

“It is getting late, so I think I will head off now.”

“After the final presentation concluded, the delegates began to head off to their respective hotels before the evening gala.”

Informal

phr.v. to stop something from happening, especially something bad or a problem.

phr.v. to forestall or prevent an undesirable event or situation from developing.

“The company lowered its prices to head off a drop in sales.”

“The administration introduced new regulations in an attempt to head off a potential financial crisis before the markets opened on Monday.”

phr.v. to get in front of someone or something to stop them or change their direction.

phr.v. to move in front of a person or animal in order to intercept them or force a change in direction.

“The police tried to head off the stolen car at the next intersection.”

“The scouts were sent ahead to head off the herd before it reached the narrow mountain pass.”