First Known Use: 1850
Dictionary
preempt
verb pre·empt \prē-ˈem(p)t\
: to prevent (something) from happening
: to take the place of (something)
: to be shown instead of (another television program)
Full Definition of PREEMPT
transitive verb
1
: to acquire (as land) by preemption
2
: to seize upon to the exclusion of others : take for oneself <the movement was then preempted by a lunatic fringe>
3
: to replace with something considered to be of greater value or priority : take precedence over <the program did not appear, having been preempted by a baseball game — Robert MacNeil>
4
: to gain a commanding or preeminent place in
intransitive verb
: to make a preemptive bid in bridge
— pre·emp·tor \-ˈem(p)-tər\ noun
See preempt defined for English-language learners
See preempt defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of PREEMPT
back-formation from preemption
Related to PREEMPT
- Synonyms
- arrogate, commandeer, convert, expropriate, pirate, appropriate, press, seize, take over, usurp
Learn More About PREEMPT
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: preemptionPrevious Word in the Dictionary: preemphasisAll Words Near: preempt
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up preempt? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).