First Known Use: 1602
Dictionary
preemption
noun pre·emp·tion \-ˈem(p)-shən\
Definition of PREEMPTION
1
a : the right of purchasing before others; especially : one given by the government to the actual settler upon a tract of public land b : the purchase of something under this right
2
: a prior seizure or appropriation : a taking possession before others
3
: a doctrine in law according to which federal law supersedes state law when federal law is in conflict with a state law
4
: a policy of launching a preemptive attack in order to prevent a suspected imminent attack
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Origin of PREEMPTION
Medieval Latin praeemption-, praeemptio previous purchase, from praeemere to buy before, from Latin prae- pre- + emere to buy — more at redeem
Related to PREEMPTION
- Synonyms
- arrogation, commandeering, detainer, expropriation, appropriation, seizure, takeover, usurpation
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