(~s, ~ing, ~ed)
Note: in AM, usually use 'preempt'
If you ~ an action, you prevent it from happening by doing something which makes it unnecessary or impossible.
You can ~ pain by taking a painkiller at the first warning sign...
He ~ed any decision to sack him...
VERB: V n, V n
~ion
Pre-emption was the only method of averting defeat.
N-UNCOUNT