What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
preempt
Example
The company decided to preempt the competition by releasing their new product earlier. [preempt: verb]
Example
The preemptive strike prevented the enemy from launching an attack. [preemptive: adjective]
prevent
Example
Washing your hands frequently can help prevent the spread of germs. [prevent: verb]
Example
The security measures in place helped prevent a potential terrorist attack. [prevent: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Prevent is more commonly used than preempt in everyday language. Prevent is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while preempt is less common and may be more specialized in certain fields or contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between preempt and prevent?
Both preempt and prevent can be used in formal and informal contexts, but preempt may be more associated with a formal or technical tone due to its specialized usage in certain fields.
