preempt

/ˌpɹiːˈɛmpt/verb
High School
1

To appropriate first.

2

To displace or take the place of (by having higher precedence, etc).

3

To prevent or beat to the punch, to forestall an expected occurrence by acting first.

4

To secure (land, etc.) by the right of preemption (purchasing before others, e.g. land because one already occupies it).

5

To make a preemptive bid at bridge.

Sound Patterns & Rhymes

Alliteration

Words starting with the same consonant sound — used in poetry and prose to create rhythm, emphasis, and memorable phrasing (e.g. “Peter Piper picked”)

Assonance

Words sharing similar vowel sounds regardless of starting letter — creates internal melody in writing

Consonance

Words sharing similar consonant sound patterns — adds texture and cohesion to writing