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preempt

verb

/ˌpriːˈɛm(p)t/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of preempt

To take action in order to prevent something from happening or to secure an advantage before others can.
"The company released a statement to preempt any rumors or speculations."

Detailed meaning of preempt

It can refer to a wide range of actions, from making a preemptive strike in a military conflict to taking preemptive measures to prevent a crisis from occurring. The goal of preempting is to anticipate and counteract potential threats or challenges before they have a chance to materialize. This can involve being proactive and taking the initiative, rather than waiting for a problem to arise and reacting to it. Overall, the term "preempt" suggests a sense of foresight and strategic thinking, as well as a willingness to take bold and decisive action in order to achieve one's goals.

Example sentences containing preempt

1. The new policy aims to preempt potential conflicts in the workplace.
2. The company took steps to preempt any negative publicity by issuing a public apology.
3. His quick thinking allowed him to preempt his opponent's next move.
4. The government introduced new legislation to preempt illegal activities.
5. The CEO's proactive measures were designed to preempt a decline in sales.
6. The security guard's vigilance helped preempt a potential break-in.

History and etymology of preempt

The verb 'preempt' has an etymology rooted in Latin. It is derived from the Latin phrase 'praeemptus,' which consists of 'prae' meaning 'before' and 'emere' meaning 'to buy' or 'to obtain.' In its original usage, 'preempt' referred to the act of buying or obtaining something before others could, thus securing an advantage through early acquisition. Over time, this concept evolved into the modern usage of 'preempt,' which means to take action in order to prevent something from happening or to secure an advantage before others can. The etymology of 'preempt' reflects the idea of acting ahead of time to gain a strategic advantage or to thwart potential obstacles, preserving its historical connection to the notion of obtaining or buying something in advance.

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Further usage examples of preempt

1. The teacher's thorough explanation preempted any confusion among the students.
2. The marketing team launched an aggressive campaign to preempt their competitors.
3. The timely intervention preempted a potential crisis in the project.
4. The governor's decision to increase security was meant to preempt any potential threats.
5. The artist's new album was strategically released to preempt leaks and unauthorized distribution.
6. The proactive measures were taken to preempt any negative impact on the environment.
7. The software update was designed to preempt any system vulnerabilities.
8. The preemptive strike was executed to neutralize the enemy's military capabilities.
9. The vaccination campaign aimed to preempt the spread of a potential outbreak.
10. The company's legal team filed a lawsuit to preempt any copyright infringement.
11. The government's public awareness campaign sought to preempt the spread of misinformation.
12. The team decided to preempt their competitors by launching early.
13. She hoped to preempt any conflicts by addressing the issue upfront.
14. They preempted potential objections with a compelling argument.
15. The government took steps to preempt a financial crisis.
16. He wanted to preempt any delays by arriving at the airport early.
17. The company sought to preempt negative reviews by improving its product.
18. They decided to preempt the storm by boarding up their windows.
19. The manager preempted a scheduling conflict by rescheduling the meeting.
20. To secure the deal, they preempted their rivals with a higher offer.
21. She decided to preempt her health issues by adopting a healthier lifestyle.
22. The military acted swiftly to preempt a potential threat.
23. The teacher tried to preempt distractions by keeping the class engaged.
24. He wanted to preempt misunderstandings by clarifying his intentions.