preempt

[pree-empt]

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

Origin of preempt

1840–50, Americanism; back formation from preemption

Related formspre·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, adjective

1. claim, appropriate, usurp.

Venus is like an angel on your shoulder, preempting any rash moves.
What the Stars Predict for Your Week
Starsky + Cox
August 20, 2011
“I was there,” he wrote on his blog, preempting the next hit.
Russia's Amazing Drugs and Hookers Scandal
Michael Idov
March 23, 2010

I felt like going into the Northwest and preempting a homestead.
One Way Out
William Carleton
She stepped through her curtain and said gaily: "You're preempting my privilege, Philip."
Claire
Leslie Burton Blades
He called up both women, alleging a visit to strike headquarters to one, and preempting the other for the afternoon.
Mountain
Clement Wood