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pre-emptto 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

pre-empt concept
💡 Concept

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

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˌpriːɪˈmpt/
🇬🇧 UK/ˌpriːɪˈmpt/

🌳Etymology

Prefixpre--
Rootempt

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'.

🎵Rhyme

attemptexemptcontempt
attempt
exempt
contempt

🔗Collocations

pre-empt criticism
pre-empt an attack
pre-empt competition
pre-empt action
pre-empt the market
pre-empt debate

📝Examples

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.

😄 Fun example

My mom pre-empted my excuse by saying 'Don't even think about blaming traffic!'

📚Related Words

Synonyms

forestallanticipatepreventinterceptpreclude

Antonyms

followreactrespond

Related

preemptivepreventionanticipationprecaution

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