preempt
Beat them to it
To preempt is to act before someone else can, typically to prevent or block their action: The network preempted regular programming for breaking news.
A preemptive strike hits first to neutralize a threat.
In card games, a preempt is a high bid made early to crowd out opponents.
The word implies strategic timing—seizing an opportunity before others can respond.
Prevent by prior action
- blockSolid mass, or impede
- avertPrevent or deflect
- head offPrevent by acting first
- thwartPrevent success of
stave off · obviate · circumvent · counteract · intercept · deter · preclude · anticipate
Expect beforehand
- outmaneuverDefeat through superior tactics
- gambitRisky opening for advantage
- initiativeSelf-directed action capacity
- first strikeInitiating combat unprovoked
countermeasure · proactive · tactical · chess · foresight · calculated · positioning · defensive
Seize without right
- commandeerSeize for official purposes
- appropriateSuited to circumstance
- expropriateSeize for state use
- annexSupplementary building or seizure
arrogate · supplant · displace · supersede · override · takeover · claim · assume
Superior rank or importance
- primacyCondition of being foremost
- first dibsPriority claim privilege
- trumpSuit outranking all others
- overrideCancel by authority
seniority · preference · right of way · privilege · advance
forestall
Prevent by prior action
thwart · stave off · obviate · circumvent · counteract · intercept · deter · preclude · anticipate · nullify
anticipate
Expect beforehand
- outmaneuverDefeat through superior tactics
- gambitRisky opening for advantage
- initiativeSelf-directed action capacity
first strike · countermeasure · proactive · tactical · chess · foresight · calculated · positioning · defensive
usurp
Seize without right
- commandeerSeize for official purposes
- appropriateSuited to circumstance
- expropriateSeize for state use
annex · arrogate · supplant · displace · supersede · override · takeover · claim · assume · bump
precedence
Superior rank or importance
- primacyCondition of being foremost
- first dibsPriority claim privilege
- trumpSuit outranking all others
override · seniority · preference · right of way · privilege · advance
reschedule
Assign a different time
override · break in · bulletin · breaking news · coverage · airtime · programming · simulcast · newsflash
- bridgecontract bridge, duplicate bridge, rubber bridge, bridge table, trump
- bridge bidsbid, pass, double, redouble, opening bid
- publishingpublishers, editors, editor, publishing house, books
- broadcastair, beam, broadcast, emit, radiate
- preventionflu shot, prevent, flu shots, protect, vaccines
- initiativetake action, taking initiative, go for it, initiating, take the lead
- preemptive strikeAttack to forestall aggression
- preemptive warAttacking an anticipated aggressor first