pre-positioning
|pre-po-si-tion-ing|
/ˌpriːpəˈzɪʃənɪŋ/
(pre-position)
placing beforehand
Etymology
'pre-positioning' originates from English, constructed from the prefix 'pre-' (from Latin 'prae') meaning 'before' and the noun 'position' (from Latin 'positio'), where 'ponere/posit-' meant 'to place'.
'pre-' + 'position' combined in English to form verbs and nouns like 'pre-position' and 'pre-positioning'; this builds on Latin-derived elements ('prae' + 'positio') that entered English via Old French and Latin influence.
Initially formed as a literal compound meaning 'to place before,' it has remained close to that original sense but broadened in modern usage to specific technical contexts (logistics, military, disaster response).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the act or practice of placing people, equipment, or supplies in position in advance of anticipated need (often used in logistics, disaster response, or military contexts).
The pre-positioning of relief supplies enabled faster aid after the storm.
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Verb 1
to place (someone or something) in position ahead of time; to position in advance.
The agency is pre-positioning equipment along the coast in case of flooding.
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Last updated: 2026/01/08 02:44