I. -m(p)tiv, -tēv also -təv adjective
Etymology: Medieval Latin praeemptus + English -ive
1. : of or relating to preemption : having power to preempt : preempting
2. : of, relating to, or constituting a bid in bridge that is higher than necessary and is designed to shut out shifts by the partner or bids by the opponents
• pre·emp·tive·ly -tə̇vlē, -li adverb
II. adjective
: marked by the seizing of the initiative ; especially : being or relating to a first military strike made to gain an advantage when a strike by the enemy is believed imminent — compare preventive in the Dict