preexist

verb (used without object)

to exist beforehand.

to exist in a previous state.

verb (used with object)

to exist prior to (something or someone else); precede: primitive artifacts that preexisted sophisticated tools.

Also, pre-ex·ist.

Origin:
1590–1600; pre- + exist

Related forms

pre·ex·ist·ence, noun

pre·ex·ist·ent, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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WordNet

preexist
verb
exist beforehand or prior to a certain point in time; "Did this condition pre-exist?"

WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton University.
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Relevant Questions

00:10

Preexist is one of our favorite verbs.

So is bowdlerise. Does it mean:

to expurgate (a written work) by removing or modifying passages considered vulgar or objectionable.

to run away hurriedly; flee.

Example sentences

After installing the new alarms, the installer tests and cleans any smoke alarms that preexist in the residence.

However, in this case, the disabling colitis did not preexist the industrial injury.

The legislation is silent on responsibility for any potential hazardous materials that may preexist on these parcels.

Claimant suffers from a number of physical conditions that preexist his industrial injury.

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