Origin: Latin prefix pre-
Preempt has 7 different meanings across 2 categories:
a high bid that is intended to prevent the opposing players from bidding
A preemptive bid.
acquire for oneself before others can do so
gain possession of by prior right or opportunity, especially so as to obtain the right to buy (land)
make a preemptive bid in the game of bridge
To appropriate something (before someone else does).