How do you use the word "preemptive" in a sentence?

Q: How do you use the word "preemptive" in a sentence?

Here are real-life examples of using "preemptive": The preemptive strike destroyed the armory, neutering the army's ability to defend against ground forces. They're thinking about a preemptive strike.

Preemptive Meaning

/pɹiːˈɛmp.tɪv/

Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.

Definition

adjOf or relating to preemption.

adjMade so as to deter an anticipated unpleasant situation.

Sentence Examples

The preemptive strike destroyed the armory, neutering the army's ability to defend against ground forces.

They're thinking about a preemptive strike.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms:

preventive preventative

Antonyms:

permissive

CEFR Practice Quiz

The doctor took ____ actions to stop the disease from spreading further.

CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)

The company took ____ action to address the potential security vulnerability before it was exploited.

Word Origin & History

Etymology tree English preempt Proto-Indo-European *-wós Proto-Indo-European *-iHwósder. Latin -īvus Old French -ifbor. Middle English -yf English -ive English preemptive From preempt + -ive.

Literary Quotations & Historical Citations

"Extreme risk protection order (ERPO) laws, sometimes known as gun violence restraining order or "red-flag" laws, are risk-based, temporary, and preemptive protective orders that authorize the removal of firearms from individuals determined to be at risk for committing gun violence against others or themselves. With ERPO laws in place, law enforcement, family members, or medical professionals can petition a court to temporarily restrict a person's access to firearms if they believe that person is at risk of hurting him or herself or others." — 2023 January 10, “The Effects of Extreme Risk Protection Orders”, in RAND Corporation, archived from the original on 25 Apr 2025:

"The practice of self-censorship serves as a preemptive measure to avoid direct censorship or persecution when governments in autocratizing countries tighten their grip." — 2026, “Unraveling The Democratic Era?”, in V-Dem Institute, archived from the original on 17 Mar 2026, page 13:

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