preemptive

adjective

pre·​emp·​tive prē-ˈem(p)-tiv How to pronounce preemptive (audio)
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 Power companies in other states are increasingly using preemptive shutdowns as the climate has heated up and dried out, extending the wildfire season to year-round. Judith Kohler, The Denver Post, 17 Oct. 2024 This allows for preemptive distribution of medical supplies and preventive interventions, reducing the overall healthcare burden on those living in poverty​. 5. Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024 Driving the news: After last year's meltdown that saw doctors and nurses denied entrance to downtown hospitals, the city has made preemptive moves to dissuade caravans, including allowing the Grito Festival to return to Grant Park, where 12,000 attendees are expected each day this weekend. Justin Kaufmann, Axios, 12 Sep. 2024 In 1967, Prime Minister Levi Eshkol sent his foreign minister, Abba Eban, to the White House, 10 Downing Street, and the Élysée Palace before launching the preemptive military operation that became known the Six-Day War—and which tripled Israel’s size. Ari Shavit, Foreign Affairs, 5 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for preemptive 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'preemptive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of preemptive was in 1855

Dictionary Entries Near preemptive

Cite this Entry

“Preemptive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preemptive. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Legal Definition

preemptive

adjective
pre·​emp·​tive prē-ˈemp-tiv How to pronounce preemptive (audio)
: of or relating to preemption

More from Merriam-Webster on preemptive

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