pre-empt — to take action before others can, often to prevent them from acting first
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to take action before others can, often to prevent them from acting first
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌpriːɪˈmpt/
Korean meaning: 선제공격하다, 미리 차단하다, 앞서서 빼앗다
Korean pronunciation: 프리**임**프트
Example Sentences
- The politician tried to pre-empt scandal by confessing his mistakes before the media found out.
- Netflix pre-empted piracy by making their shows easily accessible worldwide.
- My mom pre-empted my excuse by saying 'Don't even think about blaming traffic!'
pre-empt
VERB//ˌpriːɪˈmpt//
to take action before others can, often to prevent them from acting first

a confident businesswoman quickly steps forward to the presentation board while her competitor reaches for the same spot. She raises her hand with documents while pointing to charts before he can speak. Her swift movement blocks the other person from presenting their idea first. The competitor looks surprised and frustrated as he realizes he's been beaten to the opportunity. Other meeting attendees watch as the woman successfully claims the presentation moment. taking action before others can, preventing them from acting first
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🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'praemere', combining 'prae' (before) and 'emere' (to buy). Originally meant 'to buy beforehand', later evolved to mean 'to seize or occupy in advance'.
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“The politician tried to pre-empt scandal by confessing his mistakes before the media found out.”
“Netflix pre-empted piracy by making their shows easily accessible worldwide.”
“My mom pre-empted my excuse by saying 'Don't even think about blaming traffic!'”
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