- a variation of preemptive.
pre-emptive
Britishadjective
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of, involving, or capable of pre-emption
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bridge (of a high bid) made to shut out opposition bidding
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military designed to reduce or destroy an enemy's attacking strength before it can use it
a pre-emptive strike
Other Word Forms
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Early warning systems have been strengthened and deployment of pre-emptive medical assistance, but the strength of this particular event has raised serious concerns particularly for vulnerable groups.
From BBC ● Sep. 3, 2026
Carney’s experience mirrors that of leaders from Brussels to Mexico City, where pre-emptive compromises have failed to buy immunity from Washington’s trade wrath.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 23, 2026
The European Central Bank’s decision to raise its key interest rate this month was based on the bank’s projections rather than a pre-emptive act to manage risks of inflation rising uncontrollably, President Christine Lagarde said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 1, 2026
The trees were felled "as a pre-emptive action" for a future development proposal to extend the premises at the site.
From BBC ● Apr. 2, 2026
Every run- holder has a pre-emptive right over 250 acres round his homestead, and 50 acres round any other buildings he may have upon his run.
From A First Year in Canterbury Settlement by Samuel Butler
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
