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 Around 30 countries and a consortium of humanitarian organizations have called for a preemptive, legally binding treaty to ban autonomous weapons before they can be deployed. Paul Scharre, Foreign Affairs, 29 Feb. 2024 In today’s deal, East bid three spades (preemptive) with this hand. Frank Stewart, The Mercury News, 20 Feb. 2024 Wednesday’s vote represents a preemptive plan to implement curfews and close beaches ahead of the arrival of spring break crowds. Aaron Leibowitz, Miami Herald, 31 Jan. 2024 By analyzing past and present behavior patterns, lenders can offer preemptive solutions, such as loan modifications, to prevent defaults. Neil Sahota, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024 Treatments can include preventive and preemptive medications to prevent a migraine or to curb a migraine that is beginning. By Allison Horton, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024 Transportation —There will be more scrutiny of AVs in wake of Cruise’s failure—and more preemptive bans as the public sees them as unsafe. Jessica Mathews, Fortune, 22 Dec. 2023 Your preemptive opening described your hand — seven good hearts but little if any defense — and partner doubled three spades for penalty. Frank Stewart, The Mercury News, 20 Jan. 2024 Since Hamas’s October assault, Israeli officials have discussed launching a preemptive attack on Hezbollah, U.S. officials said. Shane Harris, Washington Post, 7 Jan. 2024

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 28 Mar. 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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