pre-emption

British  

/ 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

---

Etymology

Origin of pre-emption

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

Example Sentences

The evidence is that this is not a response to an imminent threat, which the word pre-emption implies.

From BBC • Feb. 28, 2026

Disputes over the pre-emption question have been working their way through the court system.

From Barron's • Jan. 29, 2026

Tech industry executives are waiting to see whether Trump follows through on the executive order and whether the pre-emption concept gains traction in Congress.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 20, 2025

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 • Feb. 27, 2024

We are not aware of any law of the United States recognizing the right of railroad companies to become parties in a contest concerning a homestead or pre-emption right.

From Monopolies and the People by Cloud, D. C.