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Introduction
The purpose of this article is to explain the meaning of and distinguish between the words preemptory and peremptory.
Everyday usage / common meanings
The common usage or everyday meaning, as opposed to the legal meaning, of each of the words is as follows:
Preemptory (also spelled pre-emptory) [pree-EMP-tor-ree]
Preemptory is defined as pertaining to preemption. To preempt is to take action in order to prevent (an attack or other anticipated event) happening; or to forestall.