Pronunciations
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/ˌpɹiːˈɛmpt/
Verb
To appropriate first.
Usage- Transitive
- Examples
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He preempted that hill to be its king.
More examples (1)
When they have preempted their ground [=their particular teat] they want to keep it, so you often see a fight, but see that there is only one claim made and then the old sow will not be disturbed. When once ranged they will always seek the same place.
[...] the losers complaining that their party may see another popular issue preempted by what one of them called "born-again Democratic fiscal conservatives."
To displace or take the place of (by having higher precedence, etc).
Usage- Transitive
- Examples
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Floppy disks were preempted by CDs.
More examples (1)
Similarly, in order to realize fully the benefits to consumers of increased competition in telecommunications, the Administration proposes to preempt state entry regulation for provision of telecommunications and information services.
Leah and Jenny's friendship had happened upon them quickly because of a shared harrowing experience that had preempted the usual years of trust building .
More examples (1)
A German move from the west had preempted them. By nightfall the whole Sidi Rezegh Ridge was in German occupation.
To prevent or beat to the punch, to forestall an expected occurrence by acting first.
Usage- Transitive
- Examples
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By his statement, the Secretary-General had effectively preempted the usual frustrating debates over questions of fact and law.
More examples (1)
But when it came time to hear from Charest on the evening of the razor-thin federalist victory, Jean Chretien deliberately preempted his appearance on national television.
In fact, before Jane said anything at all, Claudia preempted her and began to speak very rapidly.
More examples (5)
[…] the knife when he passed it, managing to pull it from the doorframe, but Riverwind preempted his action and slammed the pistol-butt down on his wrist.
She preempted his denial holding out a flat palm in his direction. “Do not play games with me, Mr. Cooper. Give me the notebook.” She advanced toward his ...
The nurse's attention to his room and skin temperature preempted his discomfort. Professional coldness prevailed. How differently might Beisser have felt ...
Distressed and embarrassed from the previous night's group messaging, he figured he would appear more trustworthy and self-responsible to the guidance counselor if he preempted his friends' report and confessed the eating disorder.
He always preempted his enemies by being the first to greet them and inquiring about their well-being.
To secure (land, etc.) by the right of preemption (purchasing before others, e.g. land because one already occupies it).
Usage- Transitive
To make a preemptive bid at bridge.
Usage- Intransitive
Noun
A preemptive bid.
A guaranteed publication deal contingent upon the work being immediately taken off the market and offered to nobody else.
- Examples
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Penguin Press editor-in-chief Scott Moyers paid low six figures in a preempt for North American rights to a debut Spanish novel titled The Creator's Map; […]
Noun
a high bid that is intended to prevent the opposing players from bidding
- Synonyms
Verb
acquire for oneself before others can do so
take the place of or have precedence over
- Synonyms
- Broader terms
- Examples
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live broadcast of the presidential debate preempts the regular news hour
discussion of the emergency situation will preempt the lecture by the professor
gain possession of by prior right or opportunity, especially so as to obtain the right to buy (land)
make a preemptive bid in the game of bridge