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.

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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

Example Sentences

The order called on the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to “preempt” state and local permitting authorities.

From Los Angeles Times

On Friday, the court said in a brief order that it would decide “whether the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act preempts a label-based failure-to-warn claim where EPA has not required the warning.”

From Los Angeles Times

When he stood up again, he heard his aunt Hila start to say something, but he preempted it.

From Literature

Omidyar Network Chief Executive Mike Kubzansky said in a statement that he is aware of the risks posed by poorly drafted rules, but the solution isn’t to preempt state and local laws.

From Los Angeles Times

The White House has a draft executive order on hold that would preempt state laws on artificial intelligence through lawsuits and by withholding federal funds, Reuters reported Saturday.

From Los Angeles Times