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

The company made a preemptive offer meant to suppress any competition, prompting a whirlwind round of dealmaking, according to sources. —Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2025

Client satisfaction improved by immediately mobilizing preemptive rectifications on the ground, providing a better travel experience to motorists. —Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2025

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, a Democrat, is taking preemptive measures before any ICE agents or National Guard members are directed to come to the city. —Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 31 Aug. 2025

After the shooting, First Lady Melania Trump called for more preemptive interventions to stop potential shooters. —Curt Devine, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 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