preemptive

Or pre-emp·tive

[pree-emp-tiv]

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.

Other Word Forms

• preemptively adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of preemptive¹

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

Example Sentences

The president ignited a firestorm by preemptively blaming the left for Kirk’s killing before anyone knew who the shooter was.

From Salon

Many flocked to field offices to preemptively provide proof of their identities even when they didn’t need to.

From Salon

Williams said the In-Home Supportive Services program — funded primarily by Medicaid — has preemptively cut funding for transportation to her sister’s weekly appointments.

From Los Angeles Times

The predictive turn in governance aligns with a broader shift toward what some scholars call “preemptive security.”

From Salon

In “KPop Demon Hunters,” however, these demons are not waiting passively for humans to die but are rather preemptively harvesting souls through their addictive tunes and undeniable physical magnetism.

From Salon