I. prēˈem(p)t verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: back-formation from preemption
transitive verb
1. : to settle upon (public land) with a right of preemption : take by preemption
2. : to seize upon to the exclusion of others : take for oneself : appropriate
prose has preempted a lion's share of the territory once held … by poetry — J.L.Lowes
as the immigrants preempted the central areas of the cities, the older stock moved out toward the … suburbs — Oscar Handlin
intransitive verb
: to make a preemptive bid in bridge
Synonyms: see appropriate
II. transitive verb
1. : to replace with something considered to be of greater value or priority : take precedence over
the busing issue has preempted discussion of more basic problems — William Serrin
2. : to gain a commanding or preeminent place in
lost the 1970 congressional race … but ran so well that he preempted the Democratic field for a rematch two years later — R.M.Williams
3. : to prevent from happening or taking place : forestall : preclude
the alcohol completely preempted any kind of dialogue — R.A.Sokolov