The meaning of PREEMPTIVE is of or relating to preemption. How to use preemptive in a sentence.

PREEMPTIVE definition: of or relating to preemption. See examples of preemptive used in a sentence.

PRE-EMPTIVE meaning: 1. If something is pre-emptive, it is done before other people can act, especially to prevent them…. Learn more.

Undertaken or intended to deter or prevent an anticipated, usually unpleasant situation or occurrence: The two companies organized a preemptive alliance against a possible takeover …

Definition of pre-emptive adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

A preemptive attack or strike is intended to weaken or damage an enemy or opponent, for example, by destroying their weapons before they can do any harm. A preemptive strike …

A preemptive action is made to keep some other action from being taken. Before you could be accused of eating the whole cake, you decided to make a preemptive apology, which was met …

Jan 7, 2026 · preemptive (comparative more preemptive, superlative most preemptive) Of or relating to preemption.

PRE-EMPTIVE definition: of, involving, or capable of pre-emption See examples of pre-emptive used in a sentence.

pre•emp•tive (prē emp′ tiv), adj. of or pertaining to preemption. taken as a measure against something possible, anticipated, or feared; preventive; deterrent: a preemptive tactic against a …