pre-emptivepre-emp‧tive, preemptive /priˈemptɪv/ adjective 
a series of pre-emptive strikes on guerrilla bases
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- The US says it is prepared to launch a pre-emptive strike with nuclear weapons if it is threatened.
- Both are meant to decide on the basis of dependent reasons and their decisions are therefore pre-emptive.
- It still leaves the state Legislature with massive pre-emptive powers to override local decisions.
- Perhaps general anaesthesia should be combined with pre-emptive local and regional anaesthetic blocks more often.
- Right then, apparently, she put away any pre-emptive right to either Augusta or Thomas.
- That is what is known as a pre-emptive whinge.
- The defender launches his pre-emptive counter-attack a split second after the attacker prepares to strike.
- The elective resolution procedure does not apply to the pre-emptive rights since a special resolution procedure is available to change the articles.
- The procedure whereby the pre-emptive offer is to be communicated to the shareholders is laid down in section 90.
Longman Language Activatorintended to prevent something happening
intended to prevent something from happening or getting worse: · We should spend more money educating people about preventive medicine.· Schools must take preventative measures so that this type of tragedy never happens again.· Preventative action can easily be taken to avoid damp occurring in your house.
: pre-emptive strike/action/attack an action that is done to harm someone before they can harm you - use this especially about official or military actions: · The US says it is prepared to launch a pre-emptive strike with nuclear weapons if it is threatened.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY a series of pre-emptive strikes on guerrilla basesCOLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSNOUN
a pre-emptive action is done to prevent something from happening, especially something that will harm youpre-emptive strike/attack a series of pre-emptive strikes on guerrilla bases· To prevent them being expressed, you stage a pre-emptive strike.· But it never got that far because Kasser fired his pre-emptive strike.· It was a pre-emptive strike against attempts to rewrite and water down his proposals in the months ahead.· Apparently spooked, Univel cut its prices attempting what it called a pre-emptive strike.· He had half expected a divine pre-emptive strike, a thunderbolt maybe, as he queued for the body and blood.· This diminishes the chances of accidental war or pre-emptive strikes motivated by unfounded fears.· Both his coups began with a ruthless pre-emptive strike from a position of strength.
a series of pre-emptive strikes on guerrilla bases