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

At issue is whether drones or cruise missiles could be hidden in shipping containers aboard these vessels, activated remotely or after offloading, and used in a preemptive strike. —Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 June 2025

These groups have the capability to employ sophisticated regulatory forecasting models to anticipate policy shifts, enabling preemptive operational adjustments. —Mustansir Paliwala, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025

Former President Joe Biden, during his last hours in office, issued a preemptive pardon for Schiff in connection with his work on the House's Jan. 6 select committee. —Isabella Murray, ABC News, 2 June 2025

House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY) is leading the investigation into whether Biden personally approved controversial last-minute executive actions, especially a series of preemptive pardons, using a mechanical signature device known as an autopen. —Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 29 May 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