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.

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

preeminent, preemphasis, preemployment, preempt, preemption, preemptive, preemptive right, preemptive strike, preen, preen gland, preengage

Example sentences from the Web for pre-emptive

British Dictionary definitions for pre-emptive

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 it a pre-emptive strike

Derived forms of pre-emptive

pre-emptively, adverb