Preempt - Definition

n 1: a high bid that is intended to prevent the opposing players
from bidding [syn: preemptive bid, pre-empt, preempt]
v 1: acquire for oneself before others can do so
2: take the place of or have precedence over; "live broadcast of
the presidential debate preempts the regular news hour";
"discussion of the emergency situation will preempt the
lecture by the professor" [syn: preempt, displace]
3: gain possession of by prior right or opportunity, especially
so as to obtain the right to buy (land)
4: make a preemptive bid in the game of bridge