preemptive
adjective/priˈɛmptɪv/
Frequency rank: #15,743 most common English word
Meaning
Done in order to stop something undesirable before it can happen; acting in advance.

Example sentence
The government took preemptive action to prevent the crisis before it could begin.
Synonyms & related words
- preventive
- proactive
- anticipatory
- precautionary
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