pre-emption

/ prɪˈɛmpʃən /

noun

1. law the purchase of or right to purchase property in advance of or in preference to others
2. 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 History and Origins

Origin of pre-emption¹

C16: from Medieval Latin praeemptiō, from praeemere to buy beforehand, from emere to buy

Example Sentences

Under the agreements governing the block, Exxon may be entitled to a right of first refusal — known in industry jargon as pre-emption — that partners in the development share over any stake sold.

From New York Times

Giving the federal government pre-emption rights, supporters argue, would speed up the adoption of renewable energy, particularly in places where it isn’t generated.

From New York Times

President George W. Bush’s strategy was known for its establishment of a “pre-emption” doctrine that contributed to his administration’s justification for the invasion of Iraq.

From New York Times

New governance rules approved on Thursday envisage a lock-up period of five years and mechanisms, including pre-emption rights, to ensure that control of Edizione remains in the hands of the Benettons through the generational transition.

From Reuters

What I would like to see is at a federal level in the U.S., a regulatory sandbox that has federal pre-emption.

From New York Times