preempt
/ˌpɹiːˈɛmpt/
Word Rarity
Very rare
Frequency: Zipf frequency 2.44 in modern English
13
Scrabble Score
7
Letters
2
Syllables
5
Unique Chars
Meaning
verb
To prevent or beat to the punch, to forestall an expected occurrence by acting first.
Transitive verb
verb
To secure (land, etc.) by the right of preemption (purchasing before others, e.g. land because one already occupies it).
Transitive verb
noun
noun
A guaranteed publication deal contingent upon the work being immediately taken off the market and offered to nobody else.
Example Sentences
- "He preempted that hill to be its king."
- "When they have preempted their ground [=their particular teat] they want to keep it, so you often see a fight, but see that there is only one claim made and then the old sow will not be disturbed. When once ranged they will always seek the same place."
- "[...] the losers complaining that their party may see another popular issue preempted by what one of them called "born-again Democratic fiscal conservatives.""
- "Floppy disks were preempted by CDs."
- "Similarly, in order to realize fully the benefits to consumers of increased competition in telecommunications, the Administration proposes to preempt state entry regulation for provision of telecommunications and information services."
- "Leah and Jenny's friendship had happened upon them quickly because of a shared harrowing experience that had preempted the usual years of trust building ."
Etymology
Back-formation from preemption.