preemptive
48
7.0
- adjective
- /priˈɛmp.tɪv/
- US
:
preventivo
- The most endorsed option was a preemptive strike, which is strongly rooted in Israeli strategic thinking.
- a preemptive strike
- take preemptive action
- preemptive action
Again, we can, so we can invade, engage in preemptive wars against emerging or gathering threats.
- Again, we can, so we can invade, engage in preemptive wars against emerging or gathering threats.
- I'll put five years very, very low, which is why I don't do the preemptive strike thing.
- And I, I must say, recently I had a whole body MRI as a preemptive thing.
- But well, and Julie, like I'm under threat these guys like you're not what preemptive strike is.
Examples
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Even without a clear threat, the United States now claims a right to use preemptive or preventive military force.
Academic text (2002) -
More Democratic senators are likely to follow him out, either via preemptive retirement or electoral defeat.
Academic text (2011) -
So you see this as a kind of preemptive insurance policy against gun control because now.
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I'm making a preemptive bid.
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The organizers hoped to spare the new garage from graffiti inscriptions, so their action was preemptive rather than reactionary.
Academic text (2011) -
The doctors recommended a preemptive vaccine to protect against the outbreak before it spreads.
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To avoid delays, she made a preemptive decision to submit her application early.
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The company's preemptive measures ensured that they were well-prepared for potential market changes.
Synonyms
22
5.0
Done to stop possible harm before it happens
Acting early to stop something bad from happening
Done in advance to prevent harm
Antonyms
Compounds
- Formal
A right that lets current shareholders buy new shares first to keep their share
How Preemptive
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
Preemptive comes from pre- meaning 'before' and the Latin root emere meaning 'to buy' or 'take'. Think of it like 'buying' something before others do so they cannot use it — a preemptive action is done early to stop a future problem.