Preemptif

Preemptif, typically rendered in English as preemptive, is an adjective describing actions taken to forestall a threat or to secure an advantage by acting before events occur. The word preemptive derives from the verb preempt, which comes from the French préempter, based on Latin prae-emere “to take beforehand” (prae- “before” + emere “to take”).

In military and international relations, a preemptive strike is a forceful action undertaken to neutralize an imminent threat before it can be carried out. This is distinct from preventive war, which seeks to counter a potential threat that is not considered imminent.

In computing, preemptive refers to scheduling or multitasking in which the operating system may suspend a running task to start or resume a higher-priority task. Non-preemptive (cooperative) scheduling does not interrupt a running task, allowing it to continue until it yields or completes.

In law and finance, preemptive rights give existing shareholders or tenants the right to purchase additional shares or property before others to preserve their percentage of ownership or occupancy. The term is commonly found in corporate charters and real estate law.

In medicine and public health, preemptive strategies aim to prevent problems before they arise, such as preemptive analgesia to reduce postoperative pain or preemptive vaccination programs in some contexts. The concept encompasses various contexts where anticipation and early action are intended to avert adverse outcomes.