1. to approve something in advance, especially before a formal application is submitted
Usage: commonly used in financial and business contexts

Examples

• The bank will preapprove you for a mortgage up to $300,000.
• Many credit card companies preapprove customers based on their credit scores.
• The insurance company preapproved the surgery before the patient went to the hospital.
• Students can get preapproved for financial aid before choosing a college.
• The loan officer said they could preapprove us within 24 hours.
• Getting preapproved for a car loan helps you negotiate better at the dealership.