Definition

1. Verb:

   • To acquire or appropriate something before others can: To take action to secure something for oneself before others have the opportunity to do so.
   • To prevent or forestall something by taking advance action: To act in order to stop an anticipated event or action from happening.
   • (In card games, especially bridge) To make a high opening bid to hinder opponents: To open the bidding with a high bid intended to make it difficult for the opposing players to communicate effectively through their bids.

2. Noun:

   • (In card games, especially bridge) A high opening bid intended to obstruct opponents: A bid made early in the auction that is high enough to prevent the opposing side from easily entering the bidding.

Usage Examples

• Verb:

  • The company tried to pre-empt its competitors by launching the product early.
  • The government's statement was designed to pre-empt criticism from the media.
  • She pre-empted the suit by bidding four spades.

• Noun:

  • His opening bid of three hearts was a bold pre-empt.
  • A well-timed pre-empt can disrupt the opponents' strategy.

Advanced Usage

• "to pre-empt a decision": to take action that makes a formal decision unnecessary or predetermined.

  • By signing the contract, they pre-empted the board's final decision.

• "to pre-empt a show/program": (in broadcasting) to interrupt or replace a scheduled program with a special report or announcement.

  • The news bulletin pre-empted the regular evening drama.

Variants and Related Words

• Pre-emption (noun): The action of pre-empting or the right to do so.

  • The law grants the federal government pre-emption in certain regulatory areas.

• Pre-emptive (adjective): Done to prevent an anticipated action or event.

  • The army launched a pre-emptive strike against the enemy base.

Synonyms

• Anticipate: To act in advance of.
• Forestall: To prevent by acting ahead of time.
• Appropriate: To take possession of for one's own use.

Related Phrases

• Pre-emptive bid: (Bridge/Card Games) The specific bid made to pre-empt.

  • Her pre-emptive bid of four diamonds successfully shut out the opponents.

• Pre-emptive right: A legal or contractual right to have the first opportunity to purchase something before it is offered to others.

  • Shareholders often have a pre-emptive right to buy new stock issues.

Noun

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