preemptive

or pre-emp·tive

[ pree-emp-tiv ]

/ priˈɛmp tɪv /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for preemptive on Thesaurus.com

adjective

of or relating to preemption.

taken as a measure against something possible, anticipated, or feared; preventive; deterrent: a preemptive tactic against a ruthless business rival.

preempting or possessing the power to preempt; appropriative; privileged: a commander's preemptive authority.

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.

QUIZ

WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?

Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!

Question 1 of 7

Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.

who

whom

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of preemptive

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

OTHER WORDS FROM preemptive

pre·emp·tive·ly, adverb

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH preemptive

peremptory, preemptive

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use preemptive in a sentence

He has picked pre-primary brawls with Christie, Perry, and Marco Rubio.
Rand Paul’s Passive-Aggressive Trolling Campaign|Olivia Nuzzi|January 6, 2015|DAILY BEAST
At that time, pre -9/11, the links were more subtle and had to be hunted down.
ISIS, Boko Haram, and the Growing Role of Human Trafficking in 21st Century Terrorism|Louise I. Shelley|December 26, 2014|DAILY BEAST
While in pre-trial detention, Krivov undertook two hunger strikes.
Behind Bars for the Holidays: 11 Political Prisoners We Want to See Free In 2015|Movements.Org|December 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST
At his year-end, pre-Hawaii press conference, we caught a rare glimpse of peak Obama.
The Liberation of the Lame Duck: Obama Goes Full Bulworth|John Avlon|December 19, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Instead, the military commission proceedings are bogged down in a pre-trial phase, as it has been for the past three years.
Prosecutors Have No Idea When 9/11 Mastermind’s Trial Will Start|Tim Mak|December 17, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The Spaniards, indeed, feigned to regard them only as a remnant of the rebels who had joined the pre-existing brigand bands.
The Philippine Islands|John Foreman
Doubtless the commentator habit is fixed in the nature of man; but it was pre-eminently mediaeval.
The Mediaeval Mind (Volume II of II)|Henry Osborn Taylor
From pre-natal days I was destined for the railway service, as an oyster to its shell.
Fifty Years of Railway Life in England, Scotland and Ireland|Joseph Tatlow
Dr. Wilson says, in the statistical accounts of Scotland, many of which are suggestive of a pre-Raleigh period.
Tobacco; Its History, Varieties, Culture, Manufacture and Commerce|E. R. Billings.
Offered to Him that liveth for ever and ever, it celebrates his eternal pre-existence and existence to eternal ages.
The Ordinance of Covenanting|John Cunningham

British Dictionary definitions for preemptive

pre-emptive

/ (prɪˈɛmptɪv) /

adjective

of, involving, or capable of pre-emption

bridge (of a high bid) made to shut out opposition bidding

military designed to reduce or destroy an enemy's attacking strength before it can use ita pre-emptive strike

Derived forms of pre-emptive

pre-emptively, adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012