An attack made before the opponent can act; a preemptive strike (often military, also used metaphorically in sports or business).
戦闘は相手の先制攻撃で始まった。
The fight began with the opponent's preemptive strike.
チームは試合序盤に先制攻撃を仕掛け、流れをつかんだ。
The team launched an early attack and gained momentum in the game.
企業はライバルへの先制攻撃として新商品を前倒しで発売した。
As a preemptive move against rivals, the company released the new product ahead of schedule.