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peremptory Definition

per·emp·tory (pər emp′tə rē)

adjective

  1. 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
  2. that cannot be denied, changed, delayed, opposed, etc., as a command
  3. intolerantly positive or assured; imperious a peremptory manner

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

peremptory Related Forms
per·emp′·to·rily adverb per·emp′·to·ri·ness noun
peremptory Synonyms

peremptory

modif.

  1. Not subject to revision

    fixed, authoritative, uncompromising; see absolute 1, comprehensive, finished 1, firm 1.

  2. Harsh

    rigorous, firm, stringent; see cruel 2, sarcastic, severe 2.

  3. Dictatorial

    overbearing, decisive, assertive; see absolute 3, autocratic 1, tyrannical.

peremptory Law Definition

adj

Final; conclusive; positive; incontrovertible. In a jury selection, each side is permitted a certain number of peremptory challenges for which no explanation is necessary. A peremptory trial date may be set so as to assure a speedy trial.
peremptory Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

  • norm: No serious international lawyer would deny that the right of self-determination is a peremptory norm, indeed it is the pre-eminent example.. .
  • order: Failure to comply with a peremptory order permits the courts to enforce the decision.
  • return: She found for the father on both grounds, and ordered the peremptory return.
  • challenge: The prosecution, of course, keeps its old right of unlimited peremptory challenge.
  • manner: Moreover the peremptory manner in which this was done was unnecessarily provocative.
  • dismissal: His bullish style of peremptory dismissals made compelling viewing, and I for one was glued to my TV.