GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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Found one definition

1.       
   Preëmpt (prḗ‑ĕmtˈ; 215), v. t. & i. [imp. & p. p. Preëmpted; p. pr. & vb. n. Preëmpting.] [See Preëmption.]
   1. To settle upon (public land) with a right of preemption, as under the laws of the United States; to take by preemption. [Also spelled pre-empt.]
   
   [1913 Webster + WordNet 1.5]
   
   
   2. To acquire or take for oneself first (an object or right), thereby preventing others from acquiring; to appropriate; to arrogate.
   
   [PJC]
   
   
   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”.
   
   [PJC]
   
   
   4. To prevent or delay (an event) by acting beforehand; to head off; to preclude.
   
   [PJC]