pre-emptive

/ prɪˈɛmptɪv /

adjective

1. of, involving, or capable of pre-emption
2. bridge (of a high bid) made to shut out opposition bidding
3. military designed to reduce or destroy an enemy's attacking strength before it can use it

   a pre-emptive strike

Derived Forms

• pre-ˈemptively, adverb

Example Sentences

"My pre-emptive action of hand shaking was fruitless," Hatami said, explaining the kiss.

From The Daily Beast

The sacking of Bo Xilai is a pre-emptive move to ensure that the liberal line prevails in China, not the statist model.

From The Daily Beast

They are “in danger of committing pre-emptive superpower suicide out of a misplaced fear of declining power”.

From The Daily Beast

In the last year alone, Allred has become the first name in pre-emptive Fembot litigation.

From The Daily Beast

The Constitution allows the president to issue such a blanket, pre-emptive pardon.

From The Daily Beast

Many seem to think that theology has a pre-emptive right to dogmatism.

From Project Gutenberg

Altogether 363 pre-emptive selections in respect of as many runs were made.

From Project Gutenberg