This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
preemption
or pre-emp·tion
[ pree-emp-shuhn ]
/ priˈɛmp ʃən /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
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.
QUIZ
WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?
Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!
Question 1 of 7
Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.
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
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