preemptive

adjective

pre·​emp·​tive prē-ˈem(p)-tiv How to pronounce preemptive (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Blanket preemptive pardons remain on table A far more delicate political calculation for Biden will be whether to offer blanket pardons to shield individuals who Trump has threatened. Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024 Some on this list are likely under consideration for the Biden administration’s potential preemptive pardons. Henry Gass, The Christian Science Monitor, 11 Dec. 2024 Matt Taibbi interview Independent journalist Matt Taibbi elaborates on who’s behind President Biden’s preemptive pardons. The Hill, 11 Dec. 2024 School closures also impacted San Diego County due to preemptive power outages and inclement weather, the county’s Office of Education posted on social media Tuesday. Hanna Park, Robert Shackelford and Mary Gilbert, CNN, 11 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for preemptive 

Word History

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of preemptive was in 1855

Dictionary Entries Near preemptive

Cite this Entry

“Preemptive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preemptive. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Legal Definition

preemptive

adjective
pre·​emp·​tive prē-ˈemp-tiv How to pronounce preemptive (audio)
: of or relating to preemption

More from Merriam-Webster on preemptive

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