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

Sometimes these actions have to be preemptive and in the exercise of the right to self-defense. —Sandeep Gopalan, Baltimore Sun, 19 Jan. 2026

In fact, the truest tell about a potential Heat move for Giannis might be preemptive bids to acquire draft capital. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 15 Jan. 2026

In retrospect, those concerns now seem like threats—a preemptive excuse for maximum violence. —Elizabeth Bruenig, The Atlantic, 10 Jan. 2026

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