Dictionary Home » Dictionary Definitions » peremptory

peremptory

Listen See in Thesaurus See in a sentence

The definition of peremptory is demanding people do things your way and do them now or a final judgment or decision, especially one made by a court.

(adjective)

An example of peremptory is when someone says "Come over here right now!"
An example of peremptory is when a court rules on an issue and hands down judgment.

See peremptory in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

Law
1. barring further action, debate, question, etc.; final; absolute; decisive
2. not requiring that any cause be shown: a peremptory challenge of a juror
that cannot be denied, changed, delayed, opposed, etc., as a command
intolerantly positive or assured; imperious: a peremptory manner

Origin: LL peremptorius, decisive, final < L, destructive, deadly < peremptus, pp. of perimere, to destroy < per-, intens. + emere, to take, buy: see redeem

Related Forms:

peremptorily adverb
peremptoriness noun

See peremptory in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective

Putting an end to all debate or action: a peremptory decree.
Not allowing contradiction or refusal; imperative: The officer issued peremptory commands.
Having the nature of or expressing a command; urgent: The teacher spoke in a peremptory tone.
Offensively self-assured; dictatorial: a swaggering, peremptory manner.

Origin:

Origin: Latin peremptōrius

Origin: , from peremptus

Origin: , past participle of perimere, to take away

Origin: : per-, per-

Origin: + emere, to obtain; see em- in Indo-European roots

Related Forms: