adj.
Pronunciation: - ' em(p)-tiv
Function: adjective
Date: 1855
1 a : of or relating to preemption b : having power to preempt
2 of a bid in bridge : higher than necessary and intended to shut out bids by the opponents
3 : giving a stockholder first option to purchase new stock in an amount proportionate to his existing holdings
4 : marked by the seizing of the initiative : initiated by oneself <a preemptive attack>
– pre · emp · tive · ly adverb