preclearance

[ pree-kleer-uhns ]

noun

1. approval, authorization, or permission granted in advance:

   Under company procedures, certain high-ranking executives are only allowed to sell shares after obtaining preclearance.

2. Transportation. customs, security, or immigration authorization granted in advance for passengers or goods traveling or moving across borders (often used attributively):

   The preclearance facility at Terminal 2 allows outbound passengers to undertake all U.S. immigration, customs, and agriculture inspections prior to departure.

3. Law. under the U.S. Voting Rights Act, approval from the Justice Department or federal courts for changes to voting laws, processes, or districts (often used attributively):

   In order to prevent changes that have a discriminatory purpose or effect, certain jurisdictions are required to obtain preclearance before implementing new voting practices.

Word History and Origins

Origin of preclearance¹

First recorded in 1925–30; pre- ( def ) + clearance ( def )

Example Sentences

“Then we voted to send it to Washington for preclearance,” he said.

From The Daily Beast