to head off

Head \Head\ (h[e^]d), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Headed}; p. pr. & vb.
   n. {Heading}.]
   1. To be at the head of; to put one's self at the head of; to
      lead; to direct; to act as leader to; as, to head an army,
      an expedition, or a riot. --Dryden.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. To form a head to; to fit or furnish with a head; as, to
      head a nail. --Spenser.
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   3. To behead; to decapitate. [Obs.] --Shak.
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   4. To cut off the top of; to lop off; as, to head trees.
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   5. To go in front of; to get in the front of, so as to hinder
      or stop; to oppose; hence, to check or restrain; as, to
      head a drove of cattle; to head a person; the wind heads a
      ship.
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   6. To set on the head; as, to head a cask.
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   {To head off}, to intercept; to get before; as, an officer
      heads off a thief who is escaping. "We'll head them off at
      the pass."

   {To head up},
      (a) to close, as a cask or barrel, by fitting a head to.
      (b) To serve as the leader of; as, to head up a team of
          investigators.
          [1913 Webster +PJC]