What term describes a military action taken to preemptively defeat an anticipated attack?

A preemptive strike is a military action taken to neutralize an enemy's threat before it can materialize, essentially aiming to defeat an anticipated attack before it occurs. This strategy is employed when a country believes that it is on the verge of being attacked and therefore chooses to act first to protect its interests and ensure its security.

The concept of a preemptive strike is rooted in the idea of self-defense, where engaging an opponent before they have the opportunity to launch their attack can reduce potential casualties and damage. This type of action is often justified under international law when the imminent threat is clear and actionable.

The other terms in the question do not accurately describe this military strategy. Service life relates to the duration that military equipment or personnel can be effectively utilized. The refueling cycle pertains to the logistics of supplying fuel to military operations, which is not inherently about preemptive action. Abrogate means to formally repeal or do away with a law, which is unrelated to military tactics. Thus, the term that correctly encapsulates the essence of taking action to prevent an anticipated attack is the preemptive strike.