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preemptive right
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preemption

pre·emp·tion [ pree émpshən ] (plural pre·emp·tions)


noun 
Definition:
 
1. action preventing something: action that makes it pointless or impossible for somebody else to do what he or she intended

2. occupation of public land: the occupation of public land in order to have the right to buy it later, or the right to buy that is gained in this way

3. option to buy property: an option to purchase property if and when it is put up for sale

4. military strategy of first attack: the strategy of attacking an enemy in order to prevent that enemy from attacking first

5. law exclusion of state action: the doctrine that prohibits a state from enacting laws in an area if the U.S. federal government has passed laws in that area ( formal )

[Early 17th century. < medieval Latin praeemption-< praeempt-, past participle of praeemere "buy first" < Latin emere "buy"]
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