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

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has unveiled a new naval destroyer, claiming it as a significant advancement toward his goal of expanding the operational range and preemptive strike capabilities of his nuclear-armed military, state media said Saturday. —Arkansas Online, 27 Apr. 2025

The Role of Fauci The webpage was released after Dr. Anthony Fauci—who retired in 2022 following decades as director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases—received a sweeping preemptive pardon from former President Joe Biden. —Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025

Joe Biden's preemptive pardons for Trump enemies are legal and binding, several attorneys have told Newsweek. —Sean O'Driscoll, Newsweek, 18 Mar. 2025

And if businesses are forced to challenge state overreach in federal court, judges should interpret and apply federal laws in the preemptive manner Congress intended. —Glenn G. Lammi, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 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