preempt
What does "preempt" mean?
To preempt something means to take action in advance to prevent it from happening, or to secure something for yourself before someone else can. Imagine a chess player who makes a move to block their opponent's strategy before the opponent even has the chance to carry it out. It is about seizing the initiative to gain an advantage or avoid an unwanted outcome. This word is typically used in formal, strategic, or professional contexts, such as business negotiations, military planning, or legal discussions. It implies a sense of foresight and quick reaction. You will often hear it used with terms like "strike," "measure," or "bid," as in "preemptive strike" or "preemptive bid."
"preempt" in conversation
Corporate Strategy Meeting
We should launch our marketing campaign next week to preempt their release.
We should launch our marketing campaign next week to preempt their release.
Good idea; let's catch them off guard before they gain momentum.
Good idea; let's catch them off guard before they gain momentum.
Used here to describe gaining a competitive advantage.
Diplomatic Tensions
The government decided to take preemptive measures to ensure border security.
The government decided to take preemptive measures to ensure border security.
It's a bold move, but it should prevent further escalation.
It's a bold move, but it should prevent further escalation.
Commonly used in formal, high-stakes contexts.
"preempt" in a sentence
She preempted the argument by apologizing first.
She preempted the argument by apologizing first.
The network preempted the scheduled show to broadcast the breaking news.
The network preempted the scheduled show to broadcast the breaking news.
By submitting her offer early, she successfully preempted other interested buyers.
By submitting her offer early, she successfully preempted other interested buyers.
