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# pre-emptive strike

noun phrase (a pre-emptive strike, pre-emptive strikes)

«pre-emptive strike» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

1. (euphemism, official) attacking first, before the enemy attacks, claiming it is to prevent an attack.
2. (informal) doing something first to stop a problem.

### In the lessons

Governments and armies use it to justify starting an attack; in everyday talk it is used jokingly for acting first. Official register, all countries.

### Examples

- The country launched a pre-emptive strike on the airbase.
- Critics said the pre-emptive strike was really an invasion.
- I made a pre-emptive strike and apologised before Mum found out.
- The company cut prices as a pre-emptive strike against rivals.
- He tidied his room as a pre-emptive strike before the inspection.
- Historians argue whether the pre-emptive strike was justified.

### Note

It can hide that someone started the war. «Pre-emptive» = done first to prevent something. Plain words: attacking first, starting an attack.