preempt

Definition

To appropriate first.

Etymology

Back-formation from preemption.

Example Sentences

• "He preempted that hill to be its king."
• "When they have preempted their ground [=their particular teat] they want to keep it, so you often see a fight, but see that there is only one claim made and then the old sow will not be disturbed. When once ranged they will always seek the same place."
• "[...] the losers complaining that their party may see another popular issue preempted by what one of them called "born-again Democratic fiscal conservatives.""