PREEMPT definition: 1. to prevent something from happening by taking action first: 2. If a broadcast is preempted, it…. Learn more.

The meaning of PREEMPT is to acquire (something, such as land) by preemption. How to use preempt in a sentence.

PREEMPT definition: to occupy (land) in order to establish a prior right to buy. See examples of preempt used in a sentence.

To take action to prevent (an event or other action) from happening; forestall: "The [Joint] Chiefs ... proposed the use of nuclear weapons to preempt China's anticipated attack on Formosa" (James …

pre-empt somebody/something to do or say something before somebody else does. She was just about to apologize when he pre-empted her. I do not want to pre-empt anything that the treasurer is going …

Dec 14, 2025 · preempt (third-person singular simple present preempts, present participle preempting, simple past and past participle preempted) (transitive) To appropriate first. quotations He preempted …

If you pre-empt an action, you prevent it from happening by doing something which makes it unnecessary or impossible. You can pre-empt pain by taking a painkiller at the first warning sign. …

preempt - WordReference English dictionary, questions, discussion and forums. All Free.

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 …

PREEMPT meaning: 1 : to prevent (something) from happening; 2 : to take the place of (something)