preemption
Americannoun
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the act or right of claiming or purchasing before or in preference to others.
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Law.
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Also called federal preemption. the doctrine that federal law takes precedence over state law when the two conflict.
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Also called state preemption. the doctrine that state law takes precedence over local law, such as county or municipal legislation, when the two conflict.
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Military. a policy of attacking first when there is imminent threat of attack by an enemy, or an enactment of this policy: The possibility of preemption is of grave concern to several Pentagon officials.
Preemption only works if there is sufficient intelligence capacity.
The possibility of preemption is of grave concern to several Pentagon officials.
Etymology
Origin of preemption
First recorded in 1595–1605; from Medieval Latin praeëmpt(us) “bought beforehand” (past participle of praeëmere ) + -ion; see pre-, emptor; see also redeem ( def. )
Vocabulary lists containing preemption
U.S. Government - Middle School and High School
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U.S. Government - Middle School and High School
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Around the country, state legislatures from both parties have used preemption laws to control local governments.
From Salon ● Oct. 28, 2026
The court "misunderstands FIFRA's requirement, misinterprets the scope of FIFRA's preemption and ultimately leaves Durness without a remedy for the significant harms he has suffered."
From Barron's ● Jun. 25, 2026
Over the six days between the show’s preemption and its return, celebrities and influencers posted instructions on how to cancel subscriptions to Disney’s streaming services.
From Salon ● Sep. 26, 2025
The state’s preemption would preserve the use of a popular facade material and maintain flexibility for builders in Seattle.
From Slate ● Feb. 28, 2025
Since the preemption acts passed early in the last century, the United States, in its land laws, has recognized and put a premium upon this great incentive.
From Better Homes in America Plan Book for Demonstration Week October 9 to 14, 1922 by Mrs W.B. Meloney
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
