peremptory

[ puh-remp-tuh-ree, per-uhmp-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee ]
/ pəˈrɛmp tə ri, ˈpɛr əmpˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i /

adjective

leaving no opportunity for denial or refusal; imperative: a peremptory command.
imperious or dictatorial.
positive or assertive in speech, tone, manner, etc.
Law.
  1. that precludes or does not admit of debate, question, etc.: a peremptory edict.
  2. decisive or final.
  3. in which a command is absolute and unconditional: a peremptory writ.

Origin of peremptory

1505–15; < Latin peremptōrius final, decisive, literally, deadly, destructive (derivative of perimere to take away fully, destroy, slay), equivalent to per- per- + em-, base of emere to buy, orig. to take + -tōrius -tory1, with intrusive p

OTHER WORDS FROM peremptory

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH peremptory

peremptory preemptive

Example sentences from the Web for peremptory

British Dictionary definitions for peremptory

peremptory
/ (pəˈrɛmptərɪ) /

adjective

urgent or commanding a peremptory ring on the bell
not able to be remitted or debated; decisive
positive or assured in speech, manner, etc; dogmatic
law
  1. admitting of no denial or contradiction; precluding debate
  2. obligatory rather than permissive

Derived forms of peremptory

peremptorily, adverb peremptoriness, noun

Word Origin for peremptory

C16: from Anglo-Norman peremptorie, from Latin peremptōrius decisive, from perimere to take away completely, from per- (intensive) + emere to take