preemptive

adjective

pre·emp·tive prē-ˈem(p)-tiv

: of or relating to preemption

: having power to preempt

of a bid in bridge : higher than necessary and intended to shut out bids by the opponents

: giving a stockholder first option to purchase new stock in an amount proportionate to his existing holdings

: marked by the seizing of the initiative : initiated by oneself

a preemptive attack

preemptively adverb

Examples of preemptive in a Sentence

The country took preemptive action against the perceived enemy. a preemptive attack by the army

Recent Examples on the Web

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

San Diego Gas & Electric has not reported any areas in its turf that may see preemptive power shutoffs. —

Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2024 As another preemptive step, which may be easier than physically sealing gaps around your house, spray pyrethroid insecticides around any openings into the home. —

Maia Pandey, Journal Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2024 This involves regular audits, performance monitoring and preemptive updates to prevent issues from escalating. —

Venkatachalam Dekshinamurthy, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024 According to the complaint, Brooks filed a preemptive lawsuit last month against the woman in federal court in Mississippi. —

Gene Maddaus, Variety, 3 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for preemptive