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

This is just another preemptive Trump retribution move. —Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 8 Jan. 2026

But while a preemptive attack by Iran could trigger a momentary, rally-around-the-flag reprieve for the government domestically, such a confrontation would likely bring about the sort of military action Tehran wants to avoid. —Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 7 Jan. 2026

Blanket pardons, family pardons, preemptive pardons. —CBS News, 28 Dec. 2025

Since then, North Korea has conducted frequent tests and recently unveiled a new naval destroyer that Kim said would expand the reach and preemptive strike options of the country’s nuclear forces. —Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 25 Dec. 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