preemptive

US: /priˈɛmptɪv/ ,(prē emp′tiv)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

pre•emp•tive /priˈɛmptɪv/  adj. [often: before a noun]

1. of or relating to preempting:
   a preemptive strike against the enemy.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

pre•emp•tive  (prē emp′tiv), adj. 

1. of or pertaining 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. Games [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.

Also, pre-emp′tive. 

• preempt + -ive 1785–95, American.

pre•emp′tive•ly, adv. 

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

pre-emptive / prɪˈɛmptɪv/ adjective

1. of, involving, or capable of pre-emption
2. (of a high bid) made to shut out opposition bidding
3. designed to reduce or destroy an enemy's attacking strength before it can use it: a pre-emptive strike