preemption

or pre-emp·tion

[ pree-emp-shuhn ]

/ priˈɛmp ʃən /

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See synonyms for preemption on Thesaurus.com

noun

the act or right of claiming or purchasing before or in preference to others.

Law.

Also called fed·e·ral pre·emp·tion . the doctrine that federal law takes precedence over state law when the two conflict.
Also called state pre·emp·tion . the doctrine that state law takes precedence over local law, such as county or municipal legislation, when the two conflict.

Military. a policy of attacking first when there is imminent threat of attack by an enemy, or an enactment of this policy:Preemption only works if there is sufficient intelligence capacity. The possibility of preemption is of grave concern to several Pentagon officials.

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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

Words nearby preemption

preeminent, preemphasis, preemployment, preempt, preemptible, preemption, preemptive, preemptively, preemptive right, preemptive strike, preen

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use preemption in a sentence

As governors and legislatures have gone red, preemption has helped them achieve “deregulation without replacement,” says Richard Briffault, a Columbia Law School professor who studies local governance.
An “attack on American cities” is freezing climate action in its tracks|Rebecca Leber|September 29, 2021|Vox
The map below, from a 2020 briefing for an American Gas Association board meeting, shows where members of the trade group campaigned for preemption laws.
An “attack on American cities” is freezing climate action in its tracks|Rebecca Leber|September 29, 2021|Vox
A pending state preemption bill in the Pennsylvania legislature, for example, would limit Philadelphia’s ability to encourage energy efficiency and electrification.
An “attack on American cities” is freezing climate action in its tracks|Rebecca Leber|September 29, 2021|Vox
States are increasingly using preemption as a partisan tool that prevents any regulation on a given issue.
An “attack on American cities” is freezing climate action in its tracks|Rebecca Leber|September 29, 2021|Vox

Allergan this month filed a motion asking the court to have the litigation dismissed on the grounds of federal preemption, a legal argument that individual lawsuits can’t be filed over medical devices the FDA has already approved.
Three more women have died from cancer linked to Allergan’s recalled breast implants, FDA says|Maria Aspan|August 24, 2020|Fortune
Israelis have always seen the logic of current military preemption more clearly than that of eventual diplomatic engagement.
Can The Peace Camp Cope With 'Fragility'?|Bernard Avishai|May 13, 2013|DAILY BEAST
There will be a preemption for the presidential debate and election.
TV Upfronts 2012: NBC, ABC, CBS, Fox, and the CW Announce Schedules|Jace Lacob, Maria Elena Fernandez|May 17, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Under Chief Justice John Roberts, the court has taken up several cases that deal with federal preemption.
Supreme Court Takes Up Controversial Arizona Immigration Law|Laura Colarusso|April 24, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Arizona has played the immigration preemption game before—and won.
Why Obama Should Sue Arizona|Adam Winkler|May 28, 2010|DAILY BEAST
He therefore used his preemption right and occupied one hundred and sixty acres of land on what is now Eureka Flats.
Lyman's History of old Walla Walla County, Vol. 2 (of 2)|William Denison Lyman
Here he took up a preemption claim of one hundred and sixty acres, subsequently commuted this and then took up a homestead.
Lyman's History of old Walla Walla County, Vol. 2 (of 2)|William Denison Lyman
Preemption may become a more realistic option along the lines of Israel's strikes against Syria's nuclear reactors in 1982.
Shock and Awe|Harlan K. Ullman
These settlement and preemption rights were almost inseparable, as the latter was dependent upon the former.
The Journal of Negro History, Volume 3, 1918|Various
Thus were measures taken to let the privileged persons have the benefit of their preemption.
Chambers's Edinburgh Journal Vol. XVII. No. 418. New Series.|William and Robert Chambers

British Dictionary definitions for preemption

pre-emption

/ (prɪˈɛmpʃən) /

noun

law the purchase of or right to purchase property in advance of or in preference to others

international law the right of a government to intercept and seize for its own purposes goods or property of the subjects of another state while in transit, esp in time of war

Word Origin for pre-emption

C16: from Medieval Latin praeemptiō, from praeemere to buy beforehand, from emere to buy

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012