Preempt (verb)

1. Prevent (something) from happening by taking action in advance.
2. Take the place of (someone or something else).

Origin:

Late 16th century (in the sense "forestall by prior action"): from latin praeemere "take before", from prae "before" + emere "take".

Examples:

1. He preempted the move by his opponents.
2. We must preempt this situation.
3. An attempt to preempt a hostile takeover.
4. Preempt a discussion.
5. To preempt the enemy's attack.