preemption in American English
(priˈɛmpʃən), ˈpre-emption (priˈɛmpʃən)
US noun1. the act or right of buying land, etc. before, or in preference to, others; esp., such a right granted to a settler on public land
2. action taken to check other action beforehand
Word origin
< ML
preemptus, pp. of
preemere, to buy beforehand < L
prae-, before (see pre-) +
emere, to buy (see redeem)