(~s, preceding, ~d)
1.
If one event or period of time ~s another, it happens before it. (FORMAL)
Intensive negotiations between the main parties ~d the vote...
The earthquake was ~d by a loud roar and lasted 20 seconds...
Industrial orders had already fallen in the preceding months.
VERB: V n, be V-ed by n, V-ing
2.
If you ~ someone somewhere, you go in front of them. (FORMAL)
He gestured to Alice to ~ them from the room...
They were ~d by mounted cowboys.
VERB: V n, be V-ed by n
3.
A sentence, paragraph, or chapter that ~s another one comes just before it.
Look at the information that ~s the paragraph in question...
Repeat the exercises described in the preceding section.
? follow
VERB: V n, V-ing