preempt

American  

[pree-empt] / priˈɛmpt /

Or pre-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.

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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

Etymology

Origin of preempt

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

Example Sentences

The U.S. company said it would strengthen a tie-up with the country’s cybersecurity office and help the government and businesses detect cyberattacks early or preempt them.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

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

From Salon • Sep. 24, 2025

Managing the expectations of new users and explaining the logistics of the adjustment period can help preempt the early rejections and persistent underuse of hearing aids.

From Slate • Oct. 20, 2024

In a bid to preempt scrutiny, Südhof’s co-authors wrote three recent PubPeer posts pointing out mistakes they have found in their own work.

From Science Magazine • Apr. 30, 2024

Rapid spread of a crop may preempt domestication not only of the same wild ancestral species somewhere else but also of related wild species.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond