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

Because preemptive relocation is becoming more common. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 19 Feb. 2025

But as more people are hospitalized with bird flu, health experts say preemptive vaccination could prevent further transmission from animals to humans. —Adrianna Rodriguez, USA TODAY, 19 Feb. 2025

And alongside that, does the U.S. support a preemptive strike by Israel on Iran to take out its nuclear program? —CBS News, 16 Feb. 2025

The city attorney said San Francisco is taking preemptive legal action rather than waiting. —Artemis Moshtaghian and Chris Boyette, CNN, 9 Feb. 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