View synonyms for

preempt

or pre-empt

[ pree-empt ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

verb (used with object)

to occupy (land) in order to establish a prior right to buy.
Synonyms: , ,
to acquire or appropriate before someone else; take for oneself; arrogate:
a political issue preempted by the opposition party.
to take the place of because of priorities, reconsideration, rescheduling, etc.; supplant:
The special newscast preempted the usual television program.
to forestall or prevent (something anticipated) by acting first; preclude; head off:
an effort to preempt inflation.

verb (used without object)

Bridge. to make a preemptive bid.

noun

Bridge. a preemptive bid.

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Other Word Forms

��·�𳾱�·�پ�·�� [pree-, emp, -t, uh, -b, uh, l], adjective
��·�𳾱�·�ٴǰ� [pree-, emp, -tawr, -ter], noun
��·�𳾱�·�ٴ�·�� [pree-, emp, -t, uh, -ree], adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of preempt¹

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

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Several Republican-led state legislatures are banning or trying to preempt cities and counties from launching direct cash initiatives, arguing publicly funded programs are a waste of taxpayer resources.

From

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

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

From

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

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

preemployment pre-empt

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