# preemptive

/pɹiˈɛmptɪv/ (US) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/preemptive
Updated: 2026-05-25

## Definition

done before something bad happens to stop it. You use this when you take action early to prevent a problem.

For teachers: done in advance of an expected event to prevent it or reduce its impact. Often used in legal, military, or strategic contexts to describe actions taken before a threat materializes.

## Examples

- The company took preemptive measures to protect its data.
- The central bank raised interest rates preemptively to prevent the economy from overheating before the next quarter.
- By filing the lawsuit preemptively, the firm aimed to establish legal precedent that would shield its future operations from similar regulatory challenges.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.