Main Entry: pre·empt

Pronunciation: \prē-ˈem(p)t\

Function: verb

Etymology: back-formation from preemption

Date: 1850

transitive verb 1 : to acquire (as land) by preemption
2 : to seize upon to the exclusion of others : take for oneself <the movement was then preempted by a lunatic fringe>
3 : to replace with something considered to be of greater value or priority : take precedence over <the program did not appear, having been preempted by a baseball game — Robert MacNeil>
4 : to gain a commanding or preeminent place in
5 : to prevent from happening or taking place : forestall, precludeintransitive verb : to make a preemptive bid in bridge

— pre·emp·tor \-ˈem(p)-tər\ noun