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 Words From

• 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

A high-ranking Republican congressman outlined a scheme to preempt the will of voters and award North Carolina’s 16 electoral votes to former president Donald Trump before ballots are tallied in that state.

From Salon

The codification of the right to an abortion was meant to preempt any further attempts at restrictions from the Supreme Court.

From Salon

Wiener said he would welcome a strong federal AI safety law that preempts his bill.

From Los Angeles Times

Four states — Arizona, California, Michigan, and Washington — have already enacted laws preempting local taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages.

From Salon

They won in the lower courts, and the Supreme Court ruled in 2013 that the federal motor voter law preempted or overrode the state’s law.

From Los Angeles Times