preemptive

Or pre-emp·tive

[pree-emp-tiv]

adjective

1. of or relating to preemption.

2. taken as a measure against something possible, anticipated, or feared; preventive; deterrent.

   a preemptive tactic against a ruthless business rival.

3. preempting or possessing the power to preempt; appropriative; privileged.

   a commander's preemptive authority.

4. Bridge.,  pertaining to, involving, or noting an opening bid or an overcall in a suit that is at an unnecessarily high level and that is essentially a defensive maneuver designed to make communication between one's opponents more difficult.

   a preemptive bid; to give a preemptive response.

Other Word Forms

• preemptively adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of preemptive¹

An Americanism dating back to 1785–95; preempt + -ive

Example Sentences

Raab’s boss was sold, and instructed her to “take the novel off the table” in a preemptive deal that would prevent other publishers from bidding.

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“So I didn’t want to just kind of preemptively put him in there. I felt good with who we had.”

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The president ignited a firestorm by preemptively blaming the left for Kirk’s killing before anyone knew who the shooter was.

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Many flocked to field offices to preemptively provide proof of their identities even when they didn’t need to.

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Williams said the In-Home Supportive Services program — funded primarily by Medicaid — has preemptively cut funding for transportation to her sister’s weekly appointments.

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