pre-emptive

/ prɪˈɛmptɪv /

adjective

1. of, involving, or capable of pre-emption
2. bridge (of a high bid) made to shut out opposition bidding
3. military designed to reduce or destroy an enemy's attacking strength before it can use it

   a pre-emptive strike

Derived Forms

• pre-ˈemptively, adverb

Example Sentences

Some jurisdictions like the EU are already drawing up lists of pre-emptive retaliatory actions against the US, after ministers did not take seriously enough Trump's earlier threats of tariffs, which he later imposed.

From BBC

A superior officer cannot tell a police officer to pull the trigger - nor can there be a pre-emptive tactical decision to shoot a suspect whatever the circumstances.

From BBC

His pre-emptive legal action strongly denied her allegations, labelling them "revulsive and untrue".

From BBC

Walz, for his part, seemed halting and unsure on the opening topic, dealing with Tuesday’s Iranian missile attack on Israel and if the candidates would support an Israeli pre-emptive strike on Iranian nuclear facilities.

From BBC

On Sunday, Israeli jets hit dozens of sites across southern Lebanon in what it said were pre-emptive strikes to prevent a much wider attack, and Hezbollah launched hundreds of rockets and drones at Israel.

From BBC