head off
US /hed ɔf/
UK /hed ɔf/

1.
interceptar, detener, adelantarse
to prevent someone or something from going in a particular direction by getting in front of them
:
•
The police managed to head off the protestors before they reached the embassy.
La policía logró interceptar a los manifestantes antes de que llegaran a la embajada.
•
We need to head off the cattle before they wander too far.
Necesitamos interceptar el ganado antes de que se aleje demasiado.