Preempt (Verb)
Meaning 1
Gain possession of by prior right or opportunity, especially so as to obtain the right to buy (land).
Classification
Verbs of buying, selling, owning.
Examples
- The local government decided to preempt the sale of the land to prevent it from falling into private hands.
- A developer moved quickly to preempt rival bidders for the prized waterfront property.
- After learning of a potential sale, the conservation group preempted the purchase of the nature reserve.
- The city will preempt the auction for the old school building to ensure it remains a community center.
- The town has the right to preempt the sale of any land adjacent to the historic district.
Hypernyms
Meaning 2
Take the place of or have precedence over; "live broadcast of the presidential debate preempts the regular news hour"; "discussion of the emergency situation will preempt the lecture by the professor".
Classification
Verbs of political and social activities and events.
Examples
- The CEO's retirement announcement will preempt the scheduled board meeting.
- The live coverage of the royal wedding preempts the morning television shows.
- Discussion of the hurricane evacuation plan will preempt the planned staff training session.
- The surprise visit from the head of state preempts the previously scheduled business meeting.
- The evening news broadcast of the election results will preempt the regular prime-time television programming.
Synonyms
Hypernyms
Meaning 3
Acquire for oneself before others can do so.
Classification
Verbs of buying, selling, owning.
Examples
- The company decided to preempt their competitor by launching their product early.
- To avoid being copied, the artist chose to preempt anyone else by quickly patenting her design.
- She preempted her colleague by talking directly to their boss, thereby winning his favor.
- The investor moved quickly to preempt others by purchasing the entire building complex.
- They preempted any potential controversy by addressing the topic early in their public statement.
Hypernyms
Related Words
Meaning 4
Make a preemptive bid in the game of bridge.
Classification
Verbs of buying, selling, owning.
Examples
- The South player chose to preempt with a bid of three diamonds to limit the North-South bidding competition.
- After analyzing their strong hand, the East player decided to preempt with a three-heart bid to give their partner a clear sign.
- Her lengthy experience of the game told her when to take risks and preempt with a higher bid.
- By preempting with four spades, he forced his opponents to make a tough decision on their next move.
- Their strategy involved making an early preempt to gain the upper hand in the auction phase.