# preempt

> English word · Verb · IPA /ˌpɹiːˈɛmpt/ · frequency rank #56,988

## Definitions
1. To appropriate first.
2. To displace or take the place of (by having higher precedence, etc).
3. To prevent or beat to the punch, to forestall an expected occurrence by acting first.
4. To secure (land, etc.) by the right of preemption (purchasing before others, e.g. land because one already occupies it).
5. To make a preemptive bid at bridge.

## Etymology
Back-formation from preemption.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/preempt