preempt Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a high bid that is intended to prevent the opposing players from bidding
    pre-empt; preemptive bid.
  2. verb acquire for oneself before others can do so
  3. verb take the place of or have precedence over
    displace.
    • live broadcast of the presidential debate preempts the regular news hour
    • discussion of the emergency situation will preempt the lecture by the professor
  4. verb gain possession of by prior right or opportunity, especially so as to obtain the right to buy (land)
  5. verb make a preemptive bid in the game of bridge

WordNet

Pre*ëmpt" transitive verb & intransitive verb (Also<
  • Preempt
  • Preëmpt
)
Etymology
See Preëmption.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Preëmpted; present participle & verbal noun Preëmpting
Definitions
  1. To settle upon (public land) with a right of preemption, as under the laws of the United States; to take by preëmption.

Webster 1913