preempt

or pre-empt

[ pree-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.

verb (used without object)

1. Bridge. to make a preemptive bid.

noun

1. Bridge. a preemptive bid.

Other Word Forms

• pre·emp·ti·ble [pree-, emp, -t, uh, -b, uh, l], adjective
• pre·emp·tor [pree-, emp, -tawr, -ter], noun
• pre·emp·to·ry [pree-, emp, -t, uh, -ree], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of preempt¹

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

Example Sentences

Belinda did smile when she saw a Black couple eating dinner at the resort, but that seemed more like White checking a box so that he could preempt charges of exclusion.

From Los Angeles Times

Several firms have struck deals to preempt or avoid further reprisal, while others have sued, alleging they are being unlawfully targeted for retribution.

From Los Angeles Times

Congress could pass a federal statute that preempts state law, “including a state law that’s adopted by the voters through initiative,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

The plaintiffs may have a stronger argument in their assertion that California’s law governing employer rights in unionization cases is preempted by federal law, namely the 1935 National Labor Relations Act.

From Los Angeles Times

The appellate courts surely would overturn a prison sentence, holding that, under the Constitution, being elected president preempts the ability of a state to interfere with that by imprisonment.

From Los Angeles Times