head off
US /hed ɔf/
UK /hed ɔf/

1.
intercettare, prevenire, bloccare
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 polizia è riuscita a intercettare i manifestanti prima che raggiungessero l'ambasciata.
•
We need to head off the cattle before they wander too far.
Dobbiamo radunare il bestiame prima che si allontani troppo.