preemptive — done to prevent something unpleasant or dangerous happening
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: done to prevent something unpleasant or dangerous happening
Pronunciation (IPA): /priˈɛmptɪv/
Example Sentences
- My mom's preemptive text asking 'Did you eat?' always arrives exactly at lunchtime.
- The company took preemptive action to avoid bankruptcy.
- He made a preemptive apology before his wife discovered the broken vase.
preemptive
ADJECTIVE[/priˈɛmptɪv/]
done to prevent something unpleasant or dangerous happening

a safety supervisor holds up his hand to stop workers from entering an area where a crane is moving overhead. He points to the swinging load above while guiding the workers to a safe zone nearby. The crane operator continues moving heavy materials while the workers wait in the protected area. Other construction workers pause their tasks and move away from the potential danger zone. action taken to prevent something dangerous from happening
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin praemptus, meaning 'bought beforehand,' which comes from prae- (before) + emere (to buy). The meaning evolved from literally buying something first to taking action before others can act.
Breakdown
pre- (before/in advance) + empt- (to buy/take) + -ive (adjective suffix meaning 'having the quality of')
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My mom's preemptive text asking 'Did you eat?' always arrives exactly at lunchtime.”
“The company took preemptive action to avoid bankruptcy.”
“He made a preemptive apology before his wife discovered the broken vase.”
“The doctor recommended preemptive treatment for the high-risk patients.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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