<p><strong>Adjective</strong></p><ul><li>Of or relating to preemption.</li><li>Taken as a measure against something possible, anticipated, or feared; preventive; deterrent: a preemptive tactic against a ruthless business rival.</li><li>Preempting or possessing the power to preempt; appropriative; privileged: a commander's preemptive authority.</li><li>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.</li></ul>