Definition of preemptive
adjective
serving or intended to preempt or forestall something, especially to prevent attack by disabling the enemy:preemptive action a preemptive strike relating to the purchase of goods or shares by one person or party before the opportunity is offered to others:preemptive rights Bridge denoting a bid, typically an opening bid, intended to be so high that it prevents or interferes with effective bidding by the opponents.
