to occupy (land) in order to establish a prior right to buy.

to acquire or appropriate before someone else; take for oneself; arrogate

a political issue preempted by the opposition party.

to take the place of because of priorities, reconsideration, rescheduling, etc.; supplant

The special newscast preempted the usual television program.

Bridge . to make a preemptive bid.

to forestall or prevent (something anticipated) by acting first; preclude; head off

an effort to preempt inflation.

Bridge . a preemptive bid.

verb

accroach , acquire , annex , anticipate , appropriate , arrogate , assume , bump , commandeer , confiscate , expropriate , obtain , seize , sequester , take , usurp , engage , monopolize , occupy , tie up , displace