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{%type%} Definitions

WordNet 3.0Copyright Princeton University
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Short "hint"

Taken as a measure against something possible, anticipated, or feared; Deterrent

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Usage examples (32)
  • It's time we start thinking about pre-emptive peace.
  • Still, a pre-emptive invasion of a country gives one pause.
  • Bush's policy of pre-emptive war is repugnant to many Americans.
  • How unusual is it for Crown Publishing to make a pre-emptive bid?
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The Open Dictionary of English is a collaborative project, based on Open Source materials, LearnThat resources, and partner APIs.
We give special thanks to our LearnThat volunteers, as well as Princeton University and Wiktionary for their Open Source word data. We're also grateful for the support given by Google, Wordnik.com, Dictionary.com, Stands4.com and YouTube, OEDILF.com, Kylescholz.com, Best-Practice.com, Forvo.com, as well as the generous Creative Commons community.