preempt
preempt Lexical Profile
preempt Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To take action in order to prevent an anticipated event from happening; to forestall.
"The company issued a public statement to preempt any rumors about the upcoming merger."
To interrupt or replace a scheduled broadcast program with another of greater urgency or importance.
"The regular evening sitcom was preempted by a special news report on the election results."
To acquire or appropriate something in advance, especially land by preemption.
"Early settlers were permitted to preempt up to 160 acres of surveyed public land at a fixed price."
• Rhymes for preempt
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in American English in the early 19th century as a back-formation from "preemption," which derives from the Medieval Latin "praeemptio" (a buying beforehand), from "prae-" (before) and "emere" (to buy or take). It originally referred to the legal right of settlers to purchase public land before it was offered to others.