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