preempt
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /priˈɛmpt/
KK: /priˈɛmpt/
intransitive verb
Definition
To take action in order to prevent something from happening or to gain an advantage before others do.
Example
She decided to preempt the discussion by sharing her ideas first.
Tense Forms
Past: preempted
Past Participle: preempted
Conversation
I heard you have a strategy for playing bridge.
Yeah, sometimes I like to preempt my opponent's bids early on.
That sounds clever! Does it really work?
Definitely! It can catch them off guard and change the game.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
anticipate
forestall
prevent
Antonyms
allow
permit
facilitate
transitive verb
Definition
To take action in order to prevent something from happening or to take the place of something else before it occurs.
Example
The government decided to preempt the crisis by implementing new policies.
Tense Forms
Past: preempted
Past Participle: preempted
Conversation
I heard they might preempt the game for a news special.
Really? That would be so annoying!
Yeah, I hope they don’t preempt it right at the climax.
Root Explanation
Preempt is formed from "pre-" (meaning before) and "emere" (meaning to buy or take). The word means to take action before someone else can, effectively buying or securing something in advance.
Memory Tip
Think of taking action 'before' ('pre-') someone else can 'take' ('emere') something — that's why preempt means to act in advance.
Visually Confused Words
retempt
precept
preremit