[pre.emp.tive] adj (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 ~ attack" -- pre.emp.tive.ly adv