usage: 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, get, acquire
usage: gain possession of by prior right or opportunity, especially so as to obtain the right to buy (land)
4. preempt, bid, call
usage: make a preemptive bid in the game of bridge