preemption

Or pre-emp·tion

[pree-emp-shuhn]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of preemption¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; from Medieval Latin praeëmpt(us) “bought beforehand” (past participle of praeëmere ) + -ion; pre-, emptor; redeem ( def. )

Example Sentences

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

But last night made it clear: Since 23% of U.S. homes were unable to witness Kimmel’s return, local preemptions are now weapons of political leverage.

From Salon

“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

“I’m really hoping that we can avoid preemption.”

From Seattle Times