You can pre-empt pain by taking a painkiller at the first warning sign.刚出现征兆时，就服用止痛片来预防疼痛。The minister held a press conference in order to pre-empt criticism in the newspapers.部长召开了记者招待会，旨在先发制人，预先防备各报纸的指责批评。He released a statement designed to pre-empt criticism.他发表了一份声明，意在封杀批评。