Head off

I think it could be either:

Which length description are you looking for?:

avert

'head off' is the definition.
(both can mean to prevent)

This is all the clue.

(Other definitions for avert that I've seen before include "Parry" , "Turn aside, prevent" , "Turn away or aside" , "Turn away, prevent" , "Forestall" .)

I've seen this clue in The New York Times.

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