preemption

or pre-emp·tion

[pree-emp-shuh n]

See more synonyms for preemption on Thesaurus.com

noun

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

Origin of preemption

1595–1605; < Medieval Latin praeëmpt(us) bought beforehand (past participle of praeëmere) + -ion. See pre-, emptor

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for preemption

appropriation, infringement, taking, seizure, assumption, arrogation

Examples from the Web for preemption

Contemporary Examples of preemption

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

Historical Examples of preemption

Er—may I venture to ask if your husband holds squatter's rights, or has the homestead and preemption?
A Man in the Open
Roger Pocock
This does not apparently amount to a right of preemption, and it is not easy to estimate its effective practical consequences.
The Economic Consequences of the Peace
John Maynard Keynes
If the right of preemption be thus extended, it will embrace a large and meritorious class of our citizens.
A Compilation of the Messages and Papers of the Presidents: Polk
Compiled by James D. Richardson
The preemption right in question covers three sections of land containing iron ore and coal.
A Compilation of the Messages and Papers of the Presidents
James D. Richardson
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