To displace or take the place of (by having higher precedence, etc).
To prevent or beat to the punch, to forestall an expected occurrence by acting first.
To appropriate first.
To secure (land, etc.) by the right of preemption (purchasing before others, e.g. land because one already occupies it).
To make a preemptive bid at bridge.
A preemptive bid.
To take possession of (by force, law etc.).
To have a seizure.
To take advantage of (an opportunity or circumstance).
Of chocolate: to change suddenly from a fluid to an undesirably hard and gritty texture.
To deliberately take hold of; to grab or capture.
To bind or lock in position immovably; see also seize up.
(with of) To cause (an action or matter) to be or remain before (a certain judge or court).
To submit for consideration to a deliberative body.
To have a sudden and powerful effect upon.
To lay hold in seizure, by hands or claws (+ on or upon).
To bind, lash or make fast, with several turns of small rope, cord, or small line.