preempt Definition
- 1take action in order to prevent (an anticipated event) from happening; forestall
- 2acquire or appropriate (something) in advance
- 3take possession of (something) before anyone else can do so
Using preempt: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "preempt" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The government preempted the opposition's plan by announcing its own policy.
Example
The company preempted the market by releasing its new product earlier than expected.
Example
He preempted his colleague's idea by presenting it as his own.
Example
The military preemptively attacked the enemy's base.
preempt Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using preempt
to take action to secure a position or gain an advantage before others have a chance to do so
Example
The company preempted the field by acquiring its rival before it could expand its business.
to answer a question before it is asked, especially in a way that avoids a direct answer
Example
The politician preempted the question by talking about a different topic.
an apology made in advance, often to avoid blame or criticism
Example
He made a preemptive apology for being late to the meeting.
Phrases with preempt
preemptive strike
a military attack launched with the intention of preventing an enemy attack
Example
The country launched a preemptive strike against its neighboring country to prevent an imminent attack.
a bid in bridge made to prevent the opponents from bidding their suit
Example
She made a preemptive bid to stop the opponents from bidding their suit.
the right of existing shareholders to buy newly issued shares of a company before they are offered to the public
Example
The company offered preemptive rights to its existing shareholders for the new issue of shares.
Origins of preempt
from Latin 'praemere', meaning 'to buy beforehand'
Summary: preempt in Brief
The verb 'preempt' [priːˈempt] means to take action to prevent an anticipated event from happening, acquire or appropriate something in advance, or take possession of something before anyone else can do so. It is often used in military, business, and legal contexts, as in 'The government preempted the opposition's plan by announcing its own policy.' 'Preempt' extends into phrases like 'preemptive strike,' and idioms like 'preempt the field,' denoting taking action to secure a position or gain an advantage before others have a chance to do so.
