VocabDictionary

preempt

/priหหˆษ›mpt/advanced Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.verb

To take action in order to prevent an anticipated event from happening; to forestall.

Example Sentences:
  • โ€œThe government held a press conference to preempt rumors about the new policy.โ€
  • โ€œShe preempted his criticism by admitting her mistake before he could point it out.โ€
2.verb

To replace or take the place of something else, especially a scheduled television program.

Example Sentences:
  • โ€œThe breaking news report preempted the regularly scheduled sitcom.โ€
  • โ€œThe president's address preempted the evening news broadcast.โ€
Share & Learn With Friends

Share โ€œpreemptโ€ with study groups, classmates, or on your social channels.

English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for โ€œpreemptโ€.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'prae' (before) and 'emere' (to buy). Originally, it referred to the right of preemption, which was the legal right to purchase something before others, particularly land or property.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Pre (before) + empt (empty/take): To take something before anyone else can, leaving them with an empty hand.

Frequently Asked Questions About โ€œpreemptโ€

1. What is the meaning of โ€œpreemptโ€ in English?

In English, preempt (verb) is defined as: โ€œTo take action in order to prevent an anticipated event from happening; to forestall.โ€.

2. How do you use โ€œpreemptโ€ in a sentence?

โ€œThe government held a press conference to preempt rumors about the new policy.โ€

3. What are English synonyms of โ€œpreemptโ€?

Common synonyms include:forestall,prevent,anticipate,obviate,intercept

4. What is the etymology and word origin of โ€œpreemptโ€?

Derived from the Latin 'prae' (before) and 'emere' (to buy). Originally, it referred to the right of preemption, which was the legal right to purchase something before others, particularly land or property.