head off

verb5

1. •
   To begin moving away.

   • We will head off on our holidays tomorrow.
2. •
   To start out.

   • Perseus, St. George, Hercules, Jonah, and Vishnoo! there’s a member-roll for you! What club but the whaleman’s can head off like that? — 1851
3. •
   To avoid the undesirable consequences of; to prevent.

   • The government took steps to head off summertime shortages of gasoline.
4. •
   To intercept.

   • The cavalry will head off the bandits at the pass.
5. •
   To turn away from the wind.