To preempt means to take action to prevent (an event or action) from happening; to forestall. It can also mean to acquire or appropriate (something) in advance. Essentially, preemption involves acting before someone else to secure an advantage or prevent an undesirable outcome. This can occur in various contexts, from military strategies to business deals, and even everyday conversations. The key is to take decisive action, potentially rendering the actions of others irrelevant. The word implies a sense of anticipation and decisive action to secure a desired outcome or avoid a negative one.
Preempted meaning with examples
- The company preempted its competitor's product launch by releasing its own improved version a week earlier. This bold move secured their market share and forced the rivals to reassess their strategy, ensuring their dominance in the short term.
- Knowing a hurricane was approaching, the authorities preempted potential looting by deploying National Guard troops to critical infrastructure points before any damage occurred. Their swift response prevented further chaos from breaking out and maintained order.
- During the debate, the candidate preempted the expected attack on their financial dealings by addressing the issue head-on. This strategic move neutralized the opponent's intended line of questioning, forcing them to find new angles.
- In chess, a skilled player might preempt their opponent's plan by sacrificing a piece, anticipating the loss and gaining a more decisive advantage. This sophisticated strategy disrupted the opponent's attack and led to their eventual defeat.
- Fearing a legal challenge, the software developers preempted a lawsuit by proactively releasing a patch that fixed the security flaw. This avoided a costly legal battle and maintained user trust, showing their dedication to safety.