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Preempted Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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preempted

[priหหˆษ›mptษชd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

preventive action

To preempt means to take action in order to prevent an anticipated event from occurring. It can involve making a decision or taking steps that forestall the possibility of something happening. This term is often used in various contexts, such as legal settings, where a party may act to prevent a lawsuit from proceeding. Preemptive actions are often strategic, aiming to gain an advantage or avoid a negative outcome.

Synonyms

forestall, intercept, prevent.

Examples of usage

  • The government preempted the protests by deploying extra police.
  • The company preempted competition with an innovative product launch.
  • They preempted the discussion by announcing the decision early.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Law

  • In legal terms, preempted actions can prevent lower laws from opposing federal laws.
  • A law is often preempted when a higher authority creates a ruling that must be followed across the board.

Psychology

  • Preemption is a strategy often used in negotiations to assert control by addressing issues before they arise.
  • People may feel more secure when they preemptively respond to potential problems.

Pop Culture

  • In TV shows, plot lines are often preempted by special events like breaking news, changing audience expectations.
  • A popular reality show's finale may be preempted to air a much-anticipated live event.

Technology

  • In computing, preemptive multitasking allows the operating system to interrupt and switch between tasks to manage resources efficiently.
  • This contrasts with cooperative multitasking, where a program must voluntarily yield control, often leading to slow performance.

Origin of 'preempted'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'praeemere', which means 'to buy before'.
  • It has evolved to mean taking action before someone can do something, reflecting its roots in prevention.

The word 'preempt' originates from the Latin 'praeemere', which means 'to take before'. This term was adopted into Middle English from the Latin form through the Old French word 'prรฉempter'. In its evolution through the languages, the meaning has consistently reflected the notion of taking action or making a decision in advance to avoid a consequence. The use of 'preempt' in legal contexts became prominent in the 20th century, particularly in discussions surrounding property law and rights. Over time, the term has broadened to encompass various fields, including business, military strategy, and public policy, emphasizing the proactive nature of taking measures before a situation develops.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,085, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.