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 the stockholder's 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

To avoid the most catastrophic outcome, China must orchestrate, with the United States and other major economies, a preemptive and gradual rebalancing of its economy. — Michael B. G. Froman, Foreign Affairs, 13 Aug. 2026

Last week, that committee passed a resolution to hold him in contempt of Congress for repeatedly pleading the Fifth—even after receiving a preemptive pardon from then-President Joe Biden. — Forbestv, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026

After settling with one of those labels, Warner Music Group, last November, Suno announced a partnership and preemptive settlement Wednesday with the fourth-largest music company, BMG, which had yet to launch a lawsuit against it. — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 12 Aug. 2026

Amer said strikes earlier this week against Saudi forces were preemptive, as Riyadh was preparing a ground invasion of Houthi territory. — Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026

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