to preempt
Third Person
preempts
Present Participle
preempting
Past Tense
preempted
Past Participle
preempted
1
to render a plan or action ineffective or unnecessary by doing something before it happens
- The manager preempted the competitors by launching the product early.
- The government’s quick response preempted the crisis from escalating.
- By making the announcement ahead of time, he preempted any potential leaks.
- The new regulations preempted the need for further negotiations on the issue.
- She preempted any further discussion by addressing all the potential concerns in her speech.
2
to make a high-level opening bid in bridge to disrupt opponents' bidding strategies, typically with a weak hand but a long suit
- She decided to preempt with a three-diamond bid to block the opponents.
- He preempted at the 2-level with six spades and minimal points.
- North preempted with 3♥, showing a long heart suit and limited strength.
- You should only preempt when you're non-vulnerable and hold a solid suit.
- The player preempted with 4♣, forcing the opponents to guess at slam level.
3
to claim or purchase land or property before others, often through legal or governmental privilege
- Settlers could preempt public land under the 1841 Act.
- He preempted the plot before it was officially surveyed.
- The law allowed veterans to preempt certain parcels.
- She preempted the farmland by filing early with the land office.
- The company preempted the site for future development.