preempt

To take the place of or take precedence over.

To take action to prevent (an event or other action) from happening; forestall.

To take action to prevent (another) from acting.

To acquire or take for oneself before others; appropriate.

To gain possession of by prior right or opportunity, especially to settle on (public land) so as to obtain the right to buy before others.

To make a preemptive bid in bridge.

To secure, as land, by preemption; establish a claim to; appropriate.

To take up land by preëmption.