WorldAugust 17, 2026

preemptive

pree-EMP-tiv

Definition

Acting or done before someone else can act, especially to prevent an opponent from taking an anticipated action.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'prae' (before) and 'emere' (to buy or take). It historically referred to the right of purchasing something before others, later evolving to describe any action taken to seize an advantage before an opponent.

In the news

Novig described its lawsuit against the Wisconsin Attorney General as a preemptive strike, intended to gain legal protection before the state could initiate its own enforcement action against the company.

Novig Sues Wisconsin Attorney General as Sports Prediction Market Legal Fight Widens

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