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 Words From

• pre·emp·ti·ble [pree-, emp, -t, uh, -b, uh, l], adjective
• pre·emp·tor [pree-, emp, -tawr, -ter], noun
• pre·emp·to·ry [pree-, emp, -t, uh, -ree], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of preempt¹

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

Example Sentences

Tokyo was hoping to preempt a more nationalistic potential buyer from making the purchase.

From The Daily Beast

Netanyahu would arguably be trying to preempt—not an Iranian nuclear attack—but the reelection of Barack Obama.

From The Daily Beast

To avoid blame, Cantor claimed that the Democrats were intending to do the same and he just wanted to preempt them.

From The Daily Beast

Worse yet, if the court does come out against Obamacare, it can well preempt the decision of the American people in November.

From The Daily Beast

So this year, take action and preempt the chocolate raid by making him these fabulous melting and fudgy brownies for Father's Day.

From The Daily Beast

It was what is called a wind-break and I determined to preempt it for the night.

From Project Gutenberg

The woman who forgives and doesn't forget is trying to preempt heaven and raise hell.

From Project Gutenberg