'preempt' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'praeemere,' where 'prae-' meant 'before' and 'emere' meant 'to buy.'

'praeemere' transformed into the French word 'préempter,' and eventually became the modern English word 'preempt' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to buy before others,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to prevent or forestall.'