Meaning of the word pre-emptive in English

What does pre-emptive mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

pre-emptive

US /ˌpriːˈemp.tɪv/
UK /ˌpriːˈemp.tɪv/

Adjective

1.

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

Example:
The central bank has decided to raise interest rates as a pre-emptive measure against inflation.
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