preemptive

or pre-emp·tive

[ pree-emp-tiv ]

/ priˈɛmp tɪv /

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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.

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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

Words nearby preemptive

preemphasis, preemployment, preempt, preemptible, preemption, preemptive, preemptively, preemptive right, preemptive strike, preen, preengage

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

How to use preemptive in a sentence

One would require “objective measures” for determining whether a jurisdiction has a pattern of discrimination requiring preemptive federal review.
Manchin outlines demands on voting legislation, creating an opening for potential Democratic compromise|Mike DeBonis|June 16, 2021|Washington Post
I wanted to see the thing with virgin ideas, to be fully immersed in my own impressions and experiences, without the preemptive bias of some digital stranger.
You Don’t Need to Watch Hiking Videos to Hike|Grayson Haver Currin|June 15, 2021|Outside Online
They can prove the effectiveness of campaigns and provide preemptive insight into what a target audience wants.
How brand lift studies and survey ads are shaping marketing campaigns|StackAdapt|May 17, 2021|Digiday
By gathering preemptive insights about the receptiveness and preferences of a target audience, marketers can create campaigns that cater best to that audience.
How brand lift studies and survey ads are shaping marketing campaigns|StackAdapt|May 17, 2021|Digiday

More than a year into the pandemic, most of us regard Zoom encounters with preemptive dread.
Date Lab: They did shots while toasting to ‘endless possibilities’|Marin Cogan|May 6, 2021|Washington Post
So Israel should start thinking more about preemptive technology.
Israel Needs Better War Technology|Lloyd Green|July 7, 2014|DAILY BEAST
To this supporter of preemptive war and conservative fiscal policy, wars and tax cuts were two great tastes that went together.
Dick Cheney Loves War, Hates Food Stamps|Jamelle Bouie|February 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The Democrats made a preemptive strike, and now the Republicans will exact their revenge.
The GOP’s Nuclear Winter Strategy|Eleanor Clift|December 2, 2013|DAILY BEAST
However, compare this philosophy with the fact that, for a time, Churchill favored preemptive nuclear war against Russia.
This Week’s Hot Reads: Oct. 15, 2013|Nicholas Mancusi, Thomas Flynn|October 15, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Our leaders justify the warfare through the doctrine of preemptive warfare.
War Is the New Peace: American Vets Reflect on Syria|John Kael Weston|September 10, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Staggered by this preemptive right, sacred to all miners, Cass stopped.
Found At Blazing Star|Bret Harte

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