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

Matt Maher, an independent researcher and technology advisor at M7 Innovations, told Sourcing Journal that these policy changes are a preemptive strike against a looming logistical nightmare. —Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 20 Apr. 2026

Kim has hailed the development of the Choe Hyon, which was first unveiled in April 2025, as a major step toward expanding the operational reach and preemptive strike capabilities of his military. —Greg Norman-Diamond, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2026

Expanding state powers to intervene earlier could prevent future attacks, but critics warn that preemptive restrictions risk undermining civil liberties — particularly when applied to young people. —Inaya Folarin Iman, CBS News, 13 Apr. 2026

Kim has hailed the development of the Choe Hyon as a major step toward expanding the operational reach and preemptive strike capabilities of his military. —ABC News, 13 Apr. 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