pre-empt

British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• pre-emptor noun
• pre-emptory adjective

Example Sentences

The big PBMs are now trying to pre-empt change before it is forced upon them.

From The Wall Street Journal

The next day, Einhorn said she wanted to acquire world rights and pre-empt an auction.

From The Wall Street Journal

"While the university cannot pre-empt the decision by its council over the future of these courses, it is important it does not continue to recruit to courses which are proposed for closure."

From BBC

Speaking to reporters after PMQs, Sir Keir's spokeswoman also repeatedly declined to repeat the pledge, adding she could not "pre-empt" the Budget.

From BBC

Rachel Reeves said she would not "pre-empt" any downgrade by the OBR, but was "determined that we don't simply accept the forecasts but we defy them".

From BBC