pre-empt
Beat to it
Pre-empt means to act before someone else can, typically to prevent or forestall their action.
A company might pre-empt competitors by launching first.
Television networks pre-empt regular programming to broadcast breaking news.
In card games, a pre-emptive bid blocks opponents from communicating.
The government pre-empted criticism by releasing the report early.
Also spelled preempt.
Prevent by prior action
obviate · intercept · head off · ward off · stave off · counteract · deflect · neutralize
Expect beforehand
- foreseePredict future events
- predictDeclare future outcomes
- forecastPrediction of future conditions
- expectConsider likely to occur
proactive · preemptive · foresight · readiness · preparation · early action · get ahead of · beat to the punch
Superior rank or importance
- priorityStatus of greater importance
- supersedeReplace something outdated
- displaceRemove from proper position
- supplantReplace by force
override · bump · preemption · scheduling · queue jumping · first dibs · prior claim · preferential
Attack to forestall aggression
- first strikeInitiating combat unprovoked
- gambitRisky opening for advantage
- outmaneuverDefeat through superior tactics
- countermoveResponding strategic action
initiative · tactical · offensive · preemptive war · surgical strike · deterrence
forestall
Prevent by prior action
thwart · obviate · intercept · head off · ward off · stave off · counteract · deflect · neutralize · circumvent
anticipate
Expect beforehand
expect · proactive · preemptive · foresight · readiness · preparation · early action · get ahead of · beat to the punch · jump the gun
precedence
Superior rank or importance
- priorityStatus of greater importance
- supersedeReplace something outdated
- displaceRemove from proper position
supplant · override · bump · preemption · scheduling · queue jumping · first dibs · prior claim · preferential · usurp
preemptive strike
Attack to forestall aggression
- first strikeInitiating combat unprovoked
- gambitRisky opening for advantage
- outmaneuverDefeat through superior tactics
countermove · initiative · tactical · offensive · preemptive war · surgical strike · deterrence