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

Co-plaintiffs in the case — the Illinois Bankers Association, Illinois Credit Union League, American Bankers Association and America’s Credit Unions — welcomed the federal preemptive order. —Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026

The fear that artificial intelligence will eliminate white-collar jobs en masse has policymakers hunting for preemptive solutions. —Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 27 Apr. 2026

However, even before the war in Iran, the Saudi government had failed to send funding as agreed, prompting the Met to launch a series of cost-cutting measures, including preemptive layoffs in January. —Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 24 Apr. 2026

And a president openly threatening to commit war crimes by targeting civilian infrastructure in Iran—and floating preemptive strikes against Cuba. —John Whitehead, Oc Register, 23 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