preemption

or pre-emp·tion

[ pree-emp-shuh n ]
/ priˈɛmp ʃən /

noun

the act or right of claiming or purchasing before or in preference to others.

Origin of preemption

1595–1605; < Medieval Latin praeëmpt(us) bought beforehand (past participle of praeëmere) + -ion. See pre-, emptor

Words nearby preemption

preeminence, preeminent, preemphasis, preemployment, preempt, preemption, preemptive, preemptive right, preemptive strike, preen, preen gland

Example sentences from the Web for pre-emption

British Dictionary definitions for pre-emption

pre-emption
/ (prɪˈɛmpʃən) /

noun

law the purchase of or right to purchase property in advance of or in preference to others
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 Origin for pre-emption

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