preempt
or pre-empt
[ pree-empt ]
/ priˈɛmpt /
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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seclusion
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. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for preempt
She sat down on the top step of the landing, where she had so often paused to read her letters, and re-read the preemptory letter.
Marjorie Dean, College Senior|Pauline LesterQuite accustomed to the old ladys moods, Marjorie obligingly complied with the preemptory request.
Marjorie Dean, College Senior|Pauline LesterAs we passed by a house an upper window was lifted and a voice called out in a preemptory tone and asked what cavalry that was.
A History of the Town of Fairfax|Jeanne Johnson RustThat command two nights ago for me to be on the spot every night was just too preemptory for me to oblige.
The Brain|Alexander Blade
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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