1. the acts of taking action to prevent something from happening by acting first
2. the rights 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 military planned several preemptions to counter potential threats.
• The company’s preemptions of competitor strategies proved successful.
• Shareholders exercised their preemptions to buy additional stock.
• The contract included preemptions for existing tenants.
• Federal preemptions of state environmental laws sparked debate.
• Constitutional preemptions ensure uniform national standards.
• The board discussed preemptions regarding the merger proposal.