preemptive

American  

[pree-emp-tiv] / priˈɛmp tɪv /

Or pre-emptive

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.

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Other Word Forms

• preemptively adverb

Etymology

Origin of preemptive

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

Example Sentences

It was less an expression of empathy than a preemptive alibi.

From Salon

However, they think that the regulator’s preemptive tightening of rules reduces risk of more significant restrictions later on, and still see housing credit growth accelerating to 8% on-year by the middle of 2026.

From The Wall Street Journal

The government civil defence department said Sunday that nearly 1,200,000 people had been preemptively evacuated ahead of the approaching typhoon.

From Barron's

Rescue work was suspended and preemptive evacuations began Saturday as Typhoon Fung-wong bore down on the Philippines, days after another storm killed at least 204 people.

From Barron's

“But the preemptive strike in the whole thing was Mike and the walk, which was huge. He set the whole table for us.”

From Los Angeles Times