143 Pre-emptive strike/action/attack An action that is done to harm someone before they can harm you - use this especially about
official or military actions
The US says it is prepared to launch a pre-emptive strike with nuclear weapons if it is
threatened.
4. something that can be prevented Preventable Whooping cough and measles are both preventable diseases.
Many of these deaths each year are preventable.
Avoidable Running out of gas is annoying and easily avoidable.
Too many children are still injured in avoidable accidents.
5. to stop happening Come to an end When we had children, all our trips to theatres and cinemas came to an end.
Research at the college came to an end in 1870.
All good things must come to an end.
Cease Hostilities between the two countries have now ceased.
Presently, the rain ceased and the sun came out.
Cease altogether (=stop completely)
The sound of gunfire gradually receded and then ceased altogether.
6. to gradually stop happening Wears off The effects of the anesthetic will wear off within a few hours.
The shock has not worn off yet and he seems to be walking around in a daze.
The novelty wears off
(=when you stop feeling interested or excited about something because it is no longer new)
The kids spent hours on the computer at first, but the novelty soon wore off.
Fade away He waited until the sound of the engines had faded away.
As the music faded away the audience broke into enthusiastic applause.
Disagreement 1. when people disagree Disagreement about/over Disagreement over who should produce the next album caused the band to split.
