preemptive

adjective

pre·​emp·​tive prē-ˈem(p)-tiv 

1

a

: of or relating to preemption

b

: having power to preempt

2

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

3

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

4

: 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

Despite the preemptive tardiness chiding, the runway show began at 11.25. —Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 7 Mar. 2025

If any state that attempts to seize AI supremacy can expect the threat of preemptive sabotage, states may be deterred from pursuing unilateral power altogether. —Dan Hendrycks, TIME, 6 Mar. 2025

Back in October, Annah posted a story to her Instagram on Wednesday that praised Trump's preemptive response to Hurricane Milton; at the time, Trump was still the nominee for the election and a former president. —Ryan Morik, Fox News, 3 Mar. 2025

Potential reputational risks that need a preemptive public relations plan? —Dima Raketa, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for preemptive

• exemptive
• redemptive

Legal Definition

preemptive

adjective

pre·​emp·​tive prē-ˈemp-tiv 

: of or relating to preemption