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- DictionaryPre·empt/prēˈem(p)t/
verb
- 1. take action in order to prevent (an anticipated event) from happening; forestall: "the second session will focus on policies to preempted problems"
- 2. acquire or appropriate (something) in advance: "many tables were already preempted by family parties"
noun
- 1. a preemptive bid.
The meaning of PREEMPT is to acquire (something, such as land) by preemption. How to use preempt in a sentence.
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.
PREEMPT definition: 1. to prevent something from happening by taking action first: 2. If a broadcast is preempted, it…. Learn more.
Preempt means to displace or take something before others can. Preempt combines the Latin prefix prae-, "before," with emere, "to buy." Think old-fashioned land grabs and midnight madness sales. It can also mean to replace one thing with another that’s more important.
PREEMPT meaning: 1. to prevent something from happening by taking action first: 2. If a broadcast is preempted, it…. Learn more.
to do or say something before someone so that you make their words or actions unnecessary or not effective: The minister held a press conference in order to pre-empt criticism in the newspapers. You need to be prepared and preempt the impact of the change before it happens. US.
verb. tr to acquire in advance of or to the exclusion of others; appropriate. tr to occupy (public land) in order to acquire a prior right to purchase. intr bridge to make a high opening bid, often on a weak hand, to shut out opposition bidding.
to forestall or prevent (something anticipated) by acting first; preclude; head off: an effort to preempt inflation.
Definition of preempt verb in Oxford Advanced American Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.
1. to occupy (land) in order to establish a prior right to buy. 2. to acquire or appropriate before someone else; take for oneself; arrogate. a political issue preempted by the opposition party. 3. to take the place of because of priorities, reconsideration, rescheduling, etc.; supplant.
