Preëmpt /(prē̇*ĕmt"; 215)/

imp. & p. p. Preëmpted; p. pr. & vb. n. Preëmpting

1. To settle upon (public land) with a right of preemption, as under the laws of the United States; to take by preemption.
2. To acquire or take for oneself first (an object or right), thereby preventing others from acquiring; to appropriate; to arrogate.
3. To supplant or take the place of (an action), due to changes in circumstances or priorities; as, the regular meeting was preempted by an emergency conference.
4. To prevent or delay (an event) by acting beforehand; to head off; to preclude.