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

Other Word Forms

• pre-emptor noun
• pre-emptory adjective