Verb (5-dan, つ, intransitive)
1. to lead; to take the lead (in doing something)
一人が先立てば、後に続く者たちの気持ちが楽になる。If one person takes the lead, it's easier for those who follow.
2. to precede; to go before; to take precedence
だけど、嫌悪感より恐怖の方が先立つ。But fear takes precedence over disgust.
3. to die before (esp. one's spouse, parents, etc.)
彼は奥さんに先立たれて一人であの家に住んでいたらしい。Apparently he'd been living alone in that house since his wife died.
4. to be a prerequisite
しかし、何をやるにしても先立つものが必要ですよ。However, whatever you do, you need the funds to get started.