Pre-emptive
Channel: English Unpacked
Date: 2023-09-19

The term "pre-emptive" is commonly used in the English language to describe actions or measures taken in order to prevent or anticipate a possible event or situation. It refers to the act of acting or making a decision before something else happens, with the intention of gaining an advantage or avoiding potential risks.
Here are a few examples to help illustrate the meaning of "pre-emptive":
1. Pre-emptive strike: In military terms, a pre-emptive strike refers to an attack launched by one country against another, with the aim of neutralizing a potential threat before it can harm them. For instance, if a country suspects that another country is about to launch missiles, they might launch a pre-emptive strike to destroy the enemy's missile launchers.
2. Pre-emptive action: In a different context, pre-emptive action can refer to steps taken to prevent a problem or conflict from arising. For example, if a company notices a decline in sales, it might take pre-emptive action by launching a new marketing campaign to attract more customers before the situation worsens.
3. Pre-emptive measures: This term can be used in various situations where precautions are taken to avoid potential risks. For instance, in the healthcare industry, doctors might prescribe pre-emptive medication to prevent the onset of a disease or to minimize its severity. Similarly, some people take pre-emptive measures to protect their homes from burglaries by installing security systems.
4. Pre-emptive rights: In business and finance, pre-emptive rights refer to the privilege given to existing shareholders to purchase additional shares of a company before they are offered to the general public. This allows shareholders to maintain their ownership percentage and prevents dilution of their shares.
Overall, the term "pre-emptive" implies being proactive and taking action before an event occurs in order to gain an advantage or prevent negative consequences. It is a strategic approach to mitigating risks and addressing potential problems.