preemptive

or pre-emp·tive

[ pree-emp-tiv ]

/ priˈɛmp tɪv /

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.

Words nearby preemptive

preeminent, preemphasis, preemployment, preempt, preemption, preemptive, preemptive right, preemptive strike, preen, preen gland, preengage

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. 2020

Examples from the Web for pre-emptive

"My pre-emptive action of hand shaking was fruitless," Hatami said, explaining the kiss.
The Kiss That Sent Iran Crazy and an Actress to Be Flogged in Public|IranWire|May 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The sacking of Bo Xilai is a pre-emptive move to ensure that the liberal line prevails in China, not the statist model.
Bo Xilai’s Sacking Signals Showdown In China’s Communist Party|Rosemary Righter|March 15, 2012|DAILY BEAST
They are “in danger of committing pre-emptive superpower suicide out of a misplaced fear of declining power”.
Credit for Cassandra, Cont'd.|David Frum|February 7, 2012|DAILY BEAST
In the last year alone, Allred has become the first name in pre-emptive Fembot litigation.
Rise of the Fembots|Rebecca Dana|April 19, 2010|DAILY BEAST

The Constitution allows the president to issue such a blanket, pre-emptive pardon.
Will Bush Pardon Himself?|Kenneth Roth|January 18, 2009|DAILY BEAST
Altogether 363 pre-emptive selections in respect of as many runs were made.
Our First Half-Century|Government of Queensland
Many seem to think that theology has a pre-emptive right to dogmatism.
Evolution|Joseph Le Conte

British Dictionary definitions for pre-emptive

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