preemptive

CEFRC1

/pɹiːˈɛmp.tɪv/

adjective

Türkçe translations

Translating…

In plain English

  1. 01

    adjective

    Done before an expected event to prevent a problem.

  2. 02

    adjective

    Extra detail

    Intended to interfere with an opponent's bidding.

Examples

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

  • They're thinking about a preemptive strike.

At a glance

Sits at C1 on the CEFR scale

Senses
4
Parts of speech
1
Citations
2

Deep Dive

adjective

Extra meanings
  1. Made so as to deter an anticipated unpleasant situation.

  2. Of or relating to preemption.

More examples

In context
  • a preemptive attack on the enemy

  • The practice of self-censorship serves as a preemptive measure to avoid direct censorship or persecution when governments in autocratizing countries tighten their grip.

Quick test

Two questions on this entry. Nothing is scored.

Question 1 · Quick check

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

Practise this properly in the app, where the word comes back before you forget it.

Nearby

Origin

adjective

From preempt + -ive.