preemptive

2 definitions • 4 examples

If something is pre-emptive, it is done before other people can act, especially to prevent them from doing something else:

The Treasury has decided to raise interest rates as a pre-emptive measure against inflation.

The prime minister authorized a pre-emptive air strike against the rebels.

We strongly oppose this misguided preemptive war.

done before someone else can act, especially to prevent them doing what they had planned:

pre-emptive action/measure/move The Treasury decided to raise interest rates as a pre-emptive measure against inflation.