preempt

pre·empt

verb \prē-ˈem(p)t\

Definition of PREEMPT

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, preclude

intransitive verb

: to make a preemptive bid in bridge

— pre·emp·tor \-ˈem(p)-tər\ noun

Examples of PREEMPT

1. The contract preempts lawsuits by the company's clients.
2. The state law was preempted by a federal law.
3. The President's speech preempted regular programming.

Origin of PREEMPT

back-formation from preemption

First Known Use: 1850

Related to PREEMPT

Synonyms: arrogate, commandeer, convert, expropriate, pirate, appropriate, press, seize, take over, usurp

Related Words: annex, attach, claim, confiscate, impound, repossess, sequester; assume, collar, grab, grasp, snatch, steal, wrench, wrest; despoil, loot, pillage; encroach, infringe, invade, occupy, preoccupy, trespass; embezzle, misapply, misappropriate, misuse, peculate

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Rhymes with PREEMPT

attempt, exempt