Library / English Dictionary

PREEMPT

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 I. (noun) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

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

Synonyms:

pre-empt; preempt; preemptive bid

Classified under:

Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents

Hypernyms ("preempt" is a kind of...):

bid; bidding ((bridge) the number of tricks a bridge player is willing to contract to make)

 II. (verb) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

Make a preemptive bid in the game of bridge

Classified under:

Verbs of buying, selling, owning

Hypernyms (to "preempt" is one way to...):

bid; call (make a demand, as for a card or a suit or a show of hands)

Domain category:

bridge (any of various card games based on whist for four players)

Sentence frame:

Somebody ----s something

Derivation:

pre-emptive; preemptive (designed or having the power to deter or prevent an anticipated situation or occurrence)

preemptor (a bidder in bridge who makes a preemptive bid)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Acquire for oneself before others can do so

Classified under:

Verbs of buying, selling, owning

Hypernyms (to "preempt" is one way to...):

acquire; get (come into the possession of something concrete or abstract)

Sentence frame:

Somebody ----s something

Derivation:

pre-emptive (designed or having the power to deter or prevent an anticipated situation or occurrence)

preemption (a prior appropriation of something)

preemption (the right to purchase something in advance of others)

preemptive (designed or having the power to deter or prevent an anticipated situation or occurrence)

preemptor (someone who acquires land by preemption)

Sense 3

Meaning:

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

Classified under:

Verbs of buying, selling, owning

Hypernyms (to "preempt" is one way to...):

acquire; get (come into the possession of something concrete or abstract)

Sentence frame:

Somebody ----s something

Sense 4

Meaning:

Take the place of or have precedence over

Example:

discussion of the emergency situation will preempt the lecture by the professor

Synonyms:

displace; preempt

Classified under:

Verbs of political and social activities and events

Hypernyms (to "preempt" is one way to...):

replace; supersede; supervene upon; supplant (take the place or move into the position of)

Sentence frame:

Something ----s something

Credits