adjectivedone before anyone else takes action in order to stop something happeningUsagepre-emptive strike against a takeover bidrapid action taken to prevent a takeover bid
Related information about pre-emptive:
- Preemptive war - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 A preemptive war is a war that is commenced in an attempt to repel or defeat a   perceived offensive or invasion, or to gain a strategic advantage in an impending ...
 
- Preemptive | Define Preemptive at Dictionary.com
 taken as a measure against something possible, anticipated, or feared;   preventive; deterrent: a preemptive tactic against a ruthless business rival. 3.   preempting ...
 
- pre-emptive - definition of pre-emptive by the Free Online Dictionary ...
 pre·emp·tive or pre-emp·tive (pr - mp t v). adj. 1. Of, relating to, or characteristic of   preemption. 2. Having or granted by the right of preemption. 3. a. Relating to or ...
 
- pre-emptive strike - The Free Dictionary
 Noun, 1. pre-emptive strike - a surprise attack that is launched in order to prevent   the enemy from doing it to you. coup de main, surprise attack - an attack without ...
 
- Our view: GOP pre-emptive attack on Susan Rice misfires
 5 days ago ... So many Republicans are so caught up in what UN Ambassador Susan Rice   said days after the deadly Benghazi attack, that they've lost sight ...
 
- Britain views pre-emptive strike on Iran nuclear facilities as illegal ...
 Oct 26, 2012 ... Britain views a pre-emptive strike on Iran's nuclear facilities as illegal under   present circumstances and would not allow UK military bases to be ...
 
- pre-emptive - English-Spanish Dictionary - WordReference.com
 pre-emptive - Translation to Spanish, pronunciation, and forum discussions.
 
- Iran could launch pre-emptive Israel strike-commander | Reuters
 Sep 23, 2012 ... DUBAI (Reuters) - Iran could launch a pre-emptive strike on Israel if it was sure   the Jewish state was preparing to attack it, a senior commander ...