1. (

• preempt

) acquire for oneself before others can do so ;

2. (

• preempt ,
• displace ,

) 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" ;

3. (

• preempt ,

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

4. (

• preempt ,

) make a preemptive bid in the game of bridge ;