preempting

avoiding an attack, metaphorical or physical

He tried preempting his creditor by filing for bankruptcy.

The douche ran away thinking he was preempting the fight all together. Pussywimp.

by Nia010203040 November 10, 2013

Preempted

To get the upper hand in a matter that's critical to a situation.

I'm glad we preempted before things got out of hand!

by Ornery Gorrilla November 13, 2016