pre-empt

/ prɪˈɛmpt /

verb

1. tr to acquire in advance of or to the exclusion of others; appropriate
2. tr to occupy (public land) in order to acquire a prior right to purchase
3. intr bridge to make a high opening bid, often on a weak hand, to shut out opposition bidding

Derived Forms

• pre-ˈemptory, adjective
• pre-ˈemptor, noun

Example Sentences

He'll be briefed on the risks of Iranian retaliation, and he will be offered a menu of options to pre-empt such retaliation.

From The Daily Beast

As a growing number of affiliates threatened to pre-empt the show, Gaspin said he realized “that this was not going to go well.”

From The Daily Beast

Neither party should engage in efforts or take actions that could unilaterally pre-empt, or appear to pre-empt, negotiations.

From The Daily Beast

According to the vice president, we will strive to prevent threats but not pre-empt them.

From The Daily Beast

So late as 1872 an Indian received special permission to pre-empt one hundred acres.

From Project Gutenberg

The aim should be to pre-empt the ground for cleanness and truth.

From Project Gutenberg

The favorite rumor was that the entire firm was a decoy to bewilder agents of foreign powers and pre-empt their espionage efforts.

From Project Gutenberg

If fortunate to find such, they at once pre-empt the old lodge and make it their home and headquarters.

From Project Gutenberg