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preemptive
[pree-emp-tiv]
adjective
of or relating to preemption.
taken as a measure against something possible, anticipated, or feared; preventive; deterrent.
a preemptive tactic against a ruthless business rival.
preempting or possessing the power to preempt; appropriative; privileged.
a commander's preemptive authority.
Bridge.pertaining to, involving, or noting an opening bid or an overcall in a suit that is at an unnecessarily high level and that is essentially a defensive maneuver designed to make communication between one's opponents more difficult.
a preemptive bid; to give a preemptive response.
Other Word Forms
- preemptively adverb
Word History and Origins
Origin of preemptive1
Example Sentences
Israel asserts that its actions are preemptive and aimed at ensuring a setback for Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
After several days of missile exchanges between Israel and Iran, Baier was critical of Netanyahu's assertion that his "preemptive strike" was necessary.
Israeli government officials called the move a "preemptive strike" in an emergency message to citizens.
His threats against universities and law firms sound horrific and determined enough to have frightened some of those institutions into making preemptive deals to keep him from following through.
Accompanying the raid were dozens of airstrikes that obliterated major military installations across Syria — all part of an Israeli campaign to preemptively defang Syria’s new authorities.
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