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- Dictionarypre·emp·tive/prēˈem(p)tiv/
adjective
- 1. serving or intended to preempt or forestall something, especially to prevent attack by disabling the enemy: "a preemptive strike"
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adjective. (also preemptive) uk us. Add to word list. done before someone else can act, especially to prevent them doing what they had planned: pre-emptive action/measure/move The Treasury decided to raise interest rates as a pre-emptive measure against inflation.
The meaning of PREEMPTIVE is of or relating to preemption. How to use preemptive in a sentence.
adjective. (also preemptive) uk us. Add to word list. done before someone else can act, especially to prevent them doing what they had planned: pre-emptive action/measure/move The Treasury decided to raise interest rates as a pre-emptive measure against inflation.
/priˈɛm (p)tɪv/ IPA guide. Other forms: preemptively. A preemptive action is made to keep some other action from being taken. Before you could be accused of eating the whole cake, you decided to make a preemptive apology, which was met with awkward silence.
/priˈɛmptɪv/ IPA guide. Definitions of pre-emptive. adjective. designed or having the power to deter or prevent an anticipated situation or occurrence. synonyms: preemptive. preventative, preventive. tending to prevent or hinder. Cite this entry. Style: MLA. "Pre-emptive."
Definition of preemptive adjective in Oxford Advanced American Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.
adj. 1. of or pertaining to preemption. 2. taken as a measure against something possible, anticipated, or feared; preventive; deterrent: a preemptive strike against the enemy. 3. pertaining to an opening bid in bridge that is unnecessarily high, designed to prevent further bidding. [1785–95, Amer.] pre•emp′tive•ly, adv.
pre-emptive. (priːemptɪv ) regional note: in AM, usually use preemptive. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun] A pre-emptive attack or strike is intended to weaken or damage an enemy or opponent, for example by destroying their weapons before they can do any harm.
What does the word pre-emptive mean? There are four meanings listed in OED's entry for the word pre-emptive. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence. pre-emptive has developed meanings and uses in subjects including. law (late 1700s) bridge (1910s) military (1940s) See meaning & use. How common is the word pre-emptive?
adjective. 1. of or pertaining to preemption. 2. taken as a measure against something possible, anticipated, or feared; preventive; deterrent. a preemptive tactic against a ruthless business rival. 3. preempting or possessing the power to preempt; appropriative; privileged. a commander's preemptive authority. 4. Bridge.
