preempt

Từ điển American Heritage Dictionary 4th

pre·empt or pre-empt (prē-ĕmptʹ)v. pre·empt·ed, pre·empt·ing, pre·emptsv. tr.
1. To appropriate, seize, or take for oneself before others. See Synonyms at appropriate.
2.
a. To take the place of; displace:
A special news program preempted the scheduled shows.
b. To have precedence or predominance over:
Discussion of the water shortage will preempt the other topics on this week's agenda.
3. To gain possession of by prior right or opportunity, especially to settle on (public land) so as to obtain the right to buy before others.v. intr. Games
To make a preemptive bid in bridge. [Back-formation from preemption.] pre·empʹtor' (-ĕmpʹtôr') n.pre·empʹto·ry (-ĕmpʹtə-rē) adj.