<p><strong>Verb</strong></p><ul><li>(used with object) To occupy (land) in order to establish a prior right to buy.</li><li>Synonyms: usurp, appropriate, claim.</li><li>To acquire or appropriate before someone else; take for oneself; arrogate: a political issue preempted by the opposition party.</li><li>To take the place of because of priorities, reconsideration, rescheduling, etc.; supplant: The special newscast preempted the usual television program.</li><li>To forestall or prevent (something anticipated) by acting first; preclude; head off: an effort to preempt inflation.</li></ul><p><strong>Verb</strong></p><ul><li>(used without object) Bridge. To make a preemptive bid.</li></ul><p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>Bridge. A preemptive bid.</li></ul>