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pre-emptive

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pre⋅emp⋅tive

  [pree-emp-tiv]
Use pre-emptive in a Sentence
–adjective
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. 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-emptive.

Origin:
1785–95, Americanism; preempt + -ive

Related forms:
pre⋅emp⋅tive⋅ly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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pre·emp·tive or pre-emp·tive   (prē-ěmp'tĭv)   
adj.  

  1. Of, relating to, or characteristic of preemption.

  2. Having or granted by the right of preemption.

    1. Relating to or constituting a military strike made so as to gain the advantage when an enemy strike is believed to be imminent: a preemptive nuclear attack.

    2. Undertaken or initiated to deter or prevent an anticipated, usually unpleasant situation or occurrence: The two companies organized a preemptive alliance against a possible takeover by another firm.

  4. Having or marked by the power to preempt or take precedence: a preemptive business offer; preemptive authority.

  5. Games Relating to or being a bid in bridge at a high level that is intended to interfere with the opponents' bidding.

pre·emp'tive·ly adv.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Legal Dictionary

Main Entry: pre·emp·tive
Pronunciation: prE-'emp-tiv
Function: adjective
: of or relating to preemption
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law, © 1996 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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