verb

prevent or obstruct (an anticipated event or action) by taking advance action.

they will present their resignations to forestall a vote of no confidence

pre-empt,get in before,get ahead of,steal a march on,anticipate,second-guess,nip in the bud,thwart,frustrate,foil,stave off,ward off,fend off,avert,preclude,obviate,prevent,intercept,check,block,hinder,impede,obstruct,beat someone to it,beat someone to the draw/punch