preemption

American  

[pree-emp-shuhn] / priˈɛmp ʃən /

Or pre-emption

noun

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

2. Law.

   1. Also called federal preemption.  the doctrine that federal law takes precedence over state law when the two conflict.

   2. Also called state preemption.  the doctrine that state law takes precedence over local law, such as county or municipal legislation, when the two conflict.

3. 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; pre-, emptor; redeem ( def. )

Example Sentences

Instead, it has resurfaced in more targeted disputes about statutory interpretation and federal preemption.

From Slate • Mar. 31, 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

“EPA granted preemption waivers for California to tackle local problems like smog in the Los Angeles basin, where the pollution was both generated by and felt by Californians,” the fuel producers said in their appeal.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 13, 2024

But perhaps preemption bills don’t need to pass to work; the threat alone could be enough.

From Slate • Feb. 22, 2024

He took up a preemption and built him a little log house 12×16.

From Trees, Fruits and Flowers of Minnesota, 1916 Embracing the Transactions of the Minnesota State Horticultural Society,Volume 44, from December 1, 1915, to December 1, 1916, Including the Twelve Numbers of "The Minnesota Horticulturist" for 1916 by Latham, A. W.