pre·empt
or pre-empt
(prē-ĕmpt́)
[Back-formation from preemption.]
verb: -empt·ed or -empt·ed, -empt·ing or -empt·ing, -empts or -empts
transitive verb
- To appropriate, seize, or take for oneself before others. See synonyms at appropriate
- To take the place of; displace: A special news program preempted the scheduled shows.
- To have precedence or predominance over: Discussion of the water shortage will preempt the other topics on this week's agenda.
- To gain possession of by prior right or opportunity, especially to settle on (public land) so as to obtain the right to buy before others.
intransitive verb
Games
- To make a preemptive bid in bridge.
derivatives
- pre·emṕtoŕ
- noun
- pre·emṕto·ry
- adjective
