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

How to prepare for a PSPS As the world warms, the chance of being caught in a preemptive power shutoff increases. —Jay L. Zagorsky, The Conversation, 1 Apr. 2025

The book reckons honestly with this preemptive loss and the guilt any thinking person may feel for having contributed to the planet’s destruction. —Vulture Editors, Vulture, 1 Apr. 2025

Big tech wants nothing less than a preemptive pardon for copyright infringement. —Charlie Fink, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025

Bidan also handed out preemptive pardons to other Trump nemeses like Dr. Anthony Fauci and Mark Milley, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. —Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 17 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