1. the action of taking or using something before someone else can
2. the right to purchase something before others have the opportunity
Usage: legal
3. the federal government’s authority to override state laws in certain areas
Usage: legal; constitutional law

Examples

• The company’s preemption of the valuable land sparked controversy.
• Shareholders have preemption rights when new stock is issued.
• The tenant exercised his right of preemption to buy the apartment.
• Federal preemption prevented states from regulating that industry.
• The doctrine of preemption ensures federal law takes precedence.
• Her quick preemption of the parking space annoyed other drivers.