PREEMPT Definition & Meaning

View synonyms for

preempt

or pre-empt

[ pree-empt ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

verb (used with object)

to occupy (land) in order to establish a prior right to buy.
Synonyms: , ,
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.
to forestall or prevent (something anticipated) by acting first; preclude; head off:
an effort to preempt inflation.

verb (used without object)

Bridge. to make a preemptive bid.

noun

Bridge. a preemptive bid.

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Other �y��vlog Forms

��·�𳾱�·�پ�·�� [pree-, emp, -t, uh, -b, uh, l], adjective
��·�𳾱�·�ٴǰ� [pree-, emp, -tawr, -ter], noun
��·�𳾱�·�ٴ�·�� [pree-, emp, -t, uh, -ree], adjective

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�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of preempt¹

An Americanism first recorded in 1840–50; back formation from preemption

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Several firms have struck deals to preempt or avoid further reprisal, while others have sued, alleging they are being unlawfully targeted for retribution.

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Congress could pass a federal statute that preempts state law, “including a state law that’s adopted by the voters through initiative,” he said.

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The plaintiffs may have a stronger argument in their assertion that California’s law governing employer rights in unionization cases is preempted by federal law, namely the 1935 National Labor Relations Act.

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The appellate courts surely would overturn a prison sentence, holding that, under the Constitution, being elected president preempts the ability of a state to interfere with that by imprisonment.

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In addition, Levin said the 9th Circuit determined that FCC measures did not preempt states from separately taking action.

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