preempt

/pɹiːˈɛmpt/

/ˈpɹiˌɛmpt/

to preempt

MAIN VERB

to render a plan or action ineffective or unnecessary by doing something before it happens

make a preemptive bid in the game of bridge

gain possession of by prior right or opportunity, especially so as to obtain the right to buy (land)

take the place of or have precedence over

synonyms : displace

Preempt

a high bid that is intended to prevent the opposing players from bidding

synonyms : pre-empt

Examples

1. Those agency rules can preempt state laws.

2. Firstly, preempt the interrupter.

3. The tentacled snake will even preempt the fish’s escape.

4. And that medium-priority printer requests preempt lower-priority execution of the keyboard handler.