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

Bank Indonesia expects inflation to stay within the 1.5%-3.5% target in 2026-2027 and will strengthen its preemptive monetary policy response while coordinating with the government to keep prices under control.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 17, 2026

The neighbouring provinces of Sorsogon and Albay also called for preemptive evacuations, but official figures were not immediately available.

From Barron's • Oct. 18, 2025

Raab’s boss was sold, and instructed her to “take the novel off the table” in a preemptive deal that would prevent other publishers from bidding.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 9, 2025

Because they roamed under the ocean’s surface, the subs were also undetectable and, therefore, less vulnerable than fixed land-based missiles to an enemy preemptive attack.

From Slate • Sep. 16, 2025

Hence these are typical examples of the phenomenon of preemptive domestication that we discussed above.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond