preempt Hear it!

preempt Definition

☆ pre·empt (prē empt′)

transitive verb

  1. to acquire (public land) by preemption
  2. to seize before anyone else can, excluding others; appropriate beforehand
  3. Radio, TV to replace (a regularly scheduled program)

Etymology: back-form. < preemption

intransitive verb

Bridge to make a preemptive bid

noun

Bridge a preemptive bid

preempt Related Forms

pre·emp′tor noun or pre-emp′tor pre·emp′tory adjective or pre-emp′tory

preempt Synonyms

preempt

v.

acquire, seize, appropriate; see obtain 1.

preempt Usage Examples

Object

  • cause: However, Suzy's throw is the actual cause of the shattered bottle, while Billy's throw is merely a preempted potential cause.
  • mode: Once a program is put into background mode, you cannot set it into foreground or preempt mode.
  • attack: He said it was much better to preempt attacks than just react to them.
  • result: Posted 17-Aug-2006 Thu 14:24 ) Gavvygavgav dont preempt any results by saying anything!
  • opponent: No, because EHAA relies on preempting the opponents with your side's first bid.
  • claim: He feared it would be identical with his own and preempt any claim to priority he could reasonably make.