peremptory

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)

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

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See peremptory in Webster's New World College Dictionary

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

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

Related Forms:

See peremptory in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective
  1. Putting an end to all debate or action: a peremptory decree.
  2. Not allowing contradiction or refusal; imperative: The officer issued peremptory commands.
  3. Having the nature of or expressing a command; urgent: The teacher spoke in a peremptory tone.
  4. 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

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Related Forms:

  • per·empˈto·ri·ly adverb
  • per·empˈto·ri·ness noun

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