preempt
or pre-empt
[ pree-empt ]
/ priˈɛmpt /
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verb (used with object)
to occupy (land) in order to establish a prior right to buy.
to acquire or appropriate before someone else; take for oneself; arrogate: a political issue preempted by the opposition party.
to take the place of because of priorities, reconsideration, rescheduling, etc.; supplant: The special newscast preempted the usual television program.
verb (used without object)
Bridge. to make a preemptive bid.
to forestall or prevent (something anticipated) by acting first; preclude; head off: an effort to preempt inflation.
noun
Bridge. a preemptive bid.
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Origin of preempt
1840–50, Americanism; back formation from preemption
OTHER WORDS FROM preempt
pre·emp·ti·ble, adjectivepre·emp·tor [pree-emp-tawr, -ter], /priˈɛmp tɔr, -tər/, nounpre·emp·to·ry [pree-emp-tuh-ree], /priˈɛmp tə ri/, adjectiveun·pre·empt·ed, adjectiveDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
British Dictionary definitions for preempt
pre-empt
/ (prɪˈɛmpt) /
verb
(tr) to acquire in advance of or to the exclusion of others; appropriate
(tr) mainly US to occupy (public land) in order to acquire a prior right to purchase
(intr) bridge to make a high opening bid, often on a weak hand, to shut out opposition bidding
Derived forms of pre-empt
pre-emptor, nounpre-emptory, adjectiveCollins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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