preempt

Or pre-empt

[pree-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

Word History and Origins

Origin of preempt¹

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

Example Sentences

The Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against California, arguing the state’s animal welfare law preempts federal law and are therefore illegal and have driven up egg prices.

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This is despite being preempted in 23% of U.S. households, in markets where ABC affiliates are owned by Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Media Group, station chains that persist in refusing to air the show.

Read more on Salon

Shortly before Disney announced Kimmel’s initial suspension, TV station groups Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group each said they would preempt the show and have said they will not bring it back.

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There are only so many times a network affiliate like Sinclair can preempt a network show.

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Two major owners of ABC affiliates dropped the show, after which ABC said it would be “preempted indefinitely.”

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