preemptive

pre·emp·tive

adjective

The definition of preemptive is something done in anticipation of another action or done to prevent something from happening.

When the military takes action against forces they believe intend to do harm to them, this is an example of a preemptive strike.

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"preemptive." YourDictionary, n.d. Web. 13 March 2019. <https://www.yourdictionary.com/Preemptive>.

APA Style

preemptive. (n.d.). Retrieved March 13th, 2019, from https://www.yourdictionary.com/Preemptive

preemptive

or pre-emp′tive

of or having to do with preemption
of or having to do with an action taken in advance of another possible action to prevent it from happening: a preemptive strike in war
Bridge designating a high bid intended to shut out or obstruct opposing bids

Link/Cite

Link to this page

Cite this page

MLA Style

"preemptive." YourDictionary, n.d. Web. 13 March 2019. <https://www.yourdictionary.com/Preemptive>.

APA Style

preemptive. (n.d.). Retrieved March 13th, 2019, from https://www.yourdictionary.com/Preemptive

preemptive

adjective

a. Undertaken or intended to deter or prevent an anticipated, usually unpleasant situation or occurrence: The two companies organized a preemptive alliance against a possible takeover by another firm.
b. Having the power to preempt or take precedence: preemptive authority.
Games Relating to or being a bid in bridge at a high level that is intended to interfere with the opponents' bidding.

Related Forms:

pre·emp′tive·ly
adverb

THE AMERICAN HERITAGE® DICTIONARY OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE, FIFTH EDITION by the Editors of the American Heritage Dictionaries. Copyright © 2016, 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.