pre-emptive
Acting before provoked
Pre-emptive describes action taken to prevent something before it happens, especially to gain advantage or block an anticipated threat.
A pre-emptive strike attacks before the enemy can act.
A pre-emptive bid in bridge or auction discourages competition.
She made a pre-emptive apology before anyone could complain.
Also spelled preemptive.
Forceful impact or stoppage
- attackAggressive act against another
- assaultViolent offensive act
- offensiveCausing displeasure or attack-oriented
- invasionForcible entry into territory
warfare · bombing · intervention · aggression · deterrence · defense · counterstrike · incursion
Ability to anticipate futures
- forethoughtPlanning before acting
- planningArranging for future events
- readinessState of being prepared
- preparationArranging things in advance
expectant · vigilant · prudent · cautious · prescient · predictive · forecast · prognostic
Strategically planned
- maneuverDeliberate tactical movement
- gambitRisky opening for advantage
- calculatedFigured out mathematically
- advantageFavorable position or circumstance
initiative · positioning · outmaneuver · chess · countermove · preposition · flanking · neutralize
Precaution against harm
- shieldHandheld defensive armor
- barrierObstruction preventing passage
- defenseProtection against harm
- blockadeSealing off a place
interception · thwarting · averting · foiling · countermeasure · mitigation · avoidance · circumvention
strike
Forceful impact or stoppage
- attackAggressive act against another
- assaultViolent offensive act
- offensiveCausing displeasure or attack-oriented
invasion · warfare · bombing · intervention · aggression · deterrence · defense · counterstrike · incursion · neutralization
foresight
Ability to anticipate futures
- forethoughtPlanning before acting
- planningArranging for future events
- readinessState of being prepared
preparation · expectant · vigilant · prudent · cautious · prescient · predictive · forecast · prognostic · prospective
tactical
Strategically planned
- maneuverDeliberate tactical movement
- gambitRisky opening for advantage
- calculatedFigured out mathematically
advantage · initiative · positioning · outmaneuver · chess · countermove · preposition · flanking · neutralize · intercept
safeguard
Precaution against harm
blockade · interception · thwarting · averting · foiling · countermeasure · mitigation · avoidance · circumvention · obviation
pre-emptivereactive
Tending to respond
retaliatory · responsive · after-the-fact · belated · delayed
pre-emptiveretaliatory
Done as payback
reactive · defensive · counter- · reciprocal · responsive
pre-emptivepermissive
Tolerant, lacking strictness
laissez-faire · passive · tolerant · hands-off · wait-and-see