Word
preempt
Meanings
To act in advance in order to prevent something from happening or reduce its impact.
To do or say something first so that others cannot do it, often gaining an advantage or control.
Definition
To preempt means to act before someone else to prevent something or gain an advantage.
To preempt is to do something first so that another action becomes impossible, less likely, or less effective. People often preempt problems by taking early steps to stop them from happening. It can also mean taking an opportunity or position before others can. The verb is common in news, business, and everyday planning.
Examples
- We tried to preempt delays by leaving an hour early.
- The company released a statement to preempt rumors.
- She asked the question first to preempt any objections.
- Extra backups can preempt a lot of stress during deadlines.
Common mistake
Learners often misspell it as "pre-empt" or confuse it with "prevent," but preempt emphasizes acting first to stop or outmaneuver something.
More verbs
- analyze To examine something carefully in order to understand it or explain it.
- scrutinize To scrutinize something is to examine it very carefully and in detail.
- affect To affect something is to influence it or cause it to change.
- allude To allude means to mention or suggest something indirectly without saying it clearly.
- elude To elude someone or something is to avoid being caught, understood, or remembered.