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.

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Etymology

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 ( def. )

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

preemption

The court "misunderstands FIFRA's requirement, misinterprets the scope of FIFRA's preemption and ultimately leaves Durness without a remedy for the significant harms he has suffered."

From Barron's ● Jun. 25, 2026

Its only response in court was that these types of cases could not move forward under state law under a doctrine called preemption.

From Slate ● Apr. 22, 2026

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

From Slate ● Mar. 31, 2026

Sinclair Broadcast Group is ending its preemption of ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 26, 2025

The preemption right in question covers three sections of land containing iron ore and coal.

From A Compilation of the Messages and Papers of the Presidents Volume 6, part 2: Andrew Johnson by James D. (James Daniel) Richardson