preemptive
priˈɛmptɪv
Definition Synonyms

Definition of preemptive - Reverso English Dictionary

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Adjective

1.
preventive actiondone to prevent an expected problem
  • They launched a preemptive strike to avoid conflict.
precautionary preventive
2.
strategic actiontaken before others to gain advantage
  • The company's preemptive bid secured the lucrative contract..
preventive proactive
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Expressions with preemptive

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early offer to deter competition
The company made a preemptive bid to secure the deal.
attack launched to prevent an imminent threat
The country launched a preemptive strike to ensure its safety.
right for shareholders to buy new shares before outsiders
Shareholders exercised their preemptive right during the new stock issue.
action taken to stop an expected attack before it happens
Preemptive self-defence was used to stop the threat.

Origin of preemptive

Latin, prae (before) + emere (buy)

Terms with preemptive included in their meaning

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preemptive action
take action before a potential development occurs
games
make a preemptive bid in bridge

Examples of preemptive in a sentence

  • A preemptive evacuation was ordered before the hurricane hit.
  • They made a preemptive strike to avoid conflict.
  • Her preemptive actions prevented a major crisis.

View all translations of preemptive

Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
  1. French:préventif, ...
  2. German:präventiv, ...
  3. Italian:preventivo, anticipato, ...
  4. Spanish:preventivo, ...
  5. Portuguese:preventivo, antecipado, ...
  6. Chinese:先发制人, 先发制人的, ...
  7. Japanese:先制的な, 先制的, ...
  8. Arabic:اِسْتِبَاقِي, ...
  9. Hebrew:מְנִיעָתִי, מַקְדִּים, ...
  10. Russian:превентивный, ...
  11. Ukrainian:превентивний, ...
  12. Hindi:निवारक, पूर्वगामी, ...
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