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preemptionthe action of taking something for oneself before others can claim it; the right to buy or take something before others

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: the action of taking something for oneself before others can claim it; the right to buy or take something before others

Pronunciation (IPA): /priˈɛmpʃən/

Example Sentences

  • The landlord's preemption clause means he can buy the apartment before any outside buyer.
  • My mom has preemption rights over the last piece of cake - it's an unwritten family law!
  • The state law was struck down due to federal preemption in immigration matters.

preemption

NOUN

[/priˈɛmpʃən/]

the action of taking something for oneself before others can claim it; the right to buy or take something before others

a determined buyer quickly hands a signed contract and check to the real estate agent at the front door. The agent accepts the paperwork with a satisfied smile as the buyer gets there first. Behind them, several other interested buyers arrive just moments later with their own contracts ready. The late-arriving buyers look disappointed as they realize someone has already secured the purchase rights. The agent politely explains to the waiting buyers that the property has been claimed.  the action of taking something for oneself before others can claim it
💡 Concept

a determined buyer quickly hands a signed contract and check to the real estate agent at the front door. The agent accepts the paperwork with a satisfied smile as the buyer gets there first. Behind them, several other interested buyers arrive just moments later with their own contracts ready. The late-arriving buyers look disappointed as they realize someone has already secured the purchase rights. The agent politely explains to the waiting buyers that the property has been claimed. the action of taking something for oneself before others can claim it

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/priˈɛmpʃən/
🇬🇧 UK/priˈɛmpʃən/

🌳Etymology

Prefixpre--
Rootempt
Suffix--ion

Origin

From Latin 'preemere' meaning 'to buy before others,' combining 'prae' (before) and 'emere' (to buy). Originally referred to the legal right to purchase something before others had the opportunity.

Breakdown

pre- (before/in advance) + empt- (to buy/take) + -ion (noun suffix indicating action or result)

🎵Rhyme

exemptionredemptionassumption
exemption
redemption
assumption

🔗Collocations

preemption rights
exercise preemption
federal preemption
preemption doctrine
waive preemption

📝Examples

The landlord's preemption clause means he can buy the apartment before any outside buyer.

😄 Fun example

My mom has preemption rights over the last piece of cake - it's an unwritten family law!

The state law was struck down due to federal preemption in immigration matters.

Netflix's preemption of popular shows means other streaming services can't bid on them.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

priorityprecedencefirst optionright of first refusal

Antonyms

subordinationdeferral

Related

monopolyprivilegeexemptionreservationclaim

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