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.
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OTHER WORDS FROM preemptive
pre·emp·tive·ly, adverbWORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH preemptive
peremptory, preemptiveDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
Example sentences from the Web for preemptive
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, adverbCollins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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