Definitions

1. adjective

occurring or done before something else; especially, taken or done before another action can occur

“The preemptive strike was launched to prevent the enemy from attacking first.”

2. noun

an action taken before another action can occur, especially to prevent something from happening

“The government’s preemptive measures helped prevent a major economic crisis.”

3. adverb

in a manner that occurs or is done before something else

“The army moved preemptively into the region to secure key strategic locations.”