Enter a clue or pattern or both:
The Clue
Appropriates (8 letter answer)
The Answer
PREEMPTS
Tags
Notes
The answer PREEMPTS is so rare that it appears less than once every 2500 puzzles.
Definition
PREEMPT as a noun:
1. (preemptive bid, pre-empt, preempt) = a high bid that is intended to prevent the opposing players from bidding
PREEMPT as a verb:
1. acquire for oneself before others can do so
2. (preempt, displace) = 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"
3. gain possession of by prior right or opportunity, especially so as to obtain the right to buy (land)
4. make a preemptive bid in the game of bridge