adjective
preemptive
pree-EHMP-tihv
Preemptive (adjective) means Done in advance to stop something bad from happening, or to gain an advantage before someone else can act. Example: “The company launched a preemptive strike against its rival's new product with an early price cut.”
adjective
1
Done in advance to stop something bad from happening, or to gain an advantage before someone else can act.
"The company launched a preemptive strike against its rival's new product with an early price cut."
"Doctors sometimes give a preemptive dose of painkillers before a procedure."
How to use preemptive
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishActing first, before a problem or threat has a chance to develop.
Common pairings
preemptive strike
preemptive measure
preemptive action
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more preemptive
- Superlative
- most preemptive
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The company launched a _____ strike against its rival's new product with an early price cut.
Etymology
From preempt plus the adjective-forming suffix -ive.
Antonyms
postemptive
Rhymes for preemptive
See all rhymes for preemptive →Frequently asked questions
What does “preemptive” mean?
The word “preemptive” means done in advance to stop something bad from happening, or to gain an advantage before someone else can act. In plain terms, acting first, before a problem or threat has a chance to develop.
How do you pronounce “preemptive”?
“Preemptive” is pronounced pree-EHMP-tihv (/pɹiːˈɛmp.tɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “preemptive” in a sentence?
Here is “preemptive” used in a sentence: “The company launched a preemptive strike against its rival's new product with an early price cut.”
What is the opposite of “preemptive”?
The opposite of “preemptive” — its antonyms — is postemptive.
What part of speech is “preemptive”?
“Preemptive” is an adjective.
