preemption

pre·emp·tion

noun \-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

Examples of PREEMPTION

1. <longtime residents resented the preemption of their urban neighborhood by this influx of affluent yuppies>

Origin of PREEMPTION

Medieval Latin praeemption-, praeemptio previous purchase, from praeemere to buy before, from Latin prae- pre- + emere to buy — more at redeem

First Known Use: 1602

Related to PREEMPTION

Synonyms: arrogation, commandeering, detainer, expropriation, appropriation, seizure, takeover, usurpation

Related Words: annexation, assumption, attachment, confiscation, grab, impoundment, repossession, sequestration; defalcation, embezzlement, misapplication, misappropriation, misuse, peculation, theft; despoilment, looting, pillaging; encroachment, infringement, piracy; invasion, occupancy, occupation, preoccupancy, trespass; deforcement, disfurnishment, dispossession, ejection, stripping

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