preempt

Noun

• a high bid that is intended to prevent the opposing players from bidding

Verb

• make a preemptive bid in the game of bridge

• gain possession of by prior right or opportunity, especially so as to obtain the right to buy (land)

• take the place of or have precedence over
  • live broadcast of the presidential debate preempts the regular news hour
    
  • discussion of the emergency situation will preempt the lecture by the professor
    

• acquire for oneself before others can do so

Related words

• Synonyms: 
  preemptive bid , pre-empt , displace