preempt

American  

[pree-empt] / priˈɛmpt /

Or pre-empt

verb (used with object)

1. to occupy (land) in order to establish a prior right to buy.

   Synonyms:

   usurp, appropriate, claim

2. to acquire or appropriate before someone else; take for oneself; arrogate.

   a political issue preempted by the opposition party.

3. to take the place of because of priorities, reconsideration, rescheduling, etc.; supplant.

   The special newscast preempted the usual television program.

4. to forestall or prevent (something anticipated) by acting first; preclude; head off.

   an effort to preempt inflation.

---

verb (used without object)

1. Bridge. to make a preemptive bid.

noun

1. Bridge. a preemptive bid.

Other Word Forms

• preemptible
  adjective
• preemptor
  noun
• preemptory
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of preempt

An Americanism first recorded in 1840–50; back formation from preemption

Explanation

If everyone at the lunch meeting is vying for the last roast beef sandwich, but you grab it first, you preempt your colleagues from getting it. Let them eat liverwurst! Preempt means to displace or take something before others can. Preempt combines the Latin prefix prae-, "before," with emere, "to buy." Think old-fashioned land grabs and midnight madness sales. It can also mean to replace one thing with another that’s more important. For instance, if the president is speaking or the football game is running long, brace yourself: the network just might preempt your favorite show.

Example Sentences

Preempt frustration by saving your tears for more thoughtful souls.

From Washington Post • May 3, 2023

Called Preempt, it contains natural, beneficial bacteria that help the birds resist the salmonella.

From Time Magazine Archive