peremptory

[puh-remp-tuh-ree]

adjective

1. leaving no opportunity for denial or refusal; imperative.

   a peremptory command.

2. imperious or dictatorial.

   Synonyms: domineering, dogmatic, arbitrary

3. positive or assertive in speech, tone, manner, etc.

4. 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.

peremptory

/ pəˈrɛmptərɪ /

adjective

1. urgent or commanding

   a peremptory ring on the bell

2. not able to be remitted or debated; decisive

3. positive or assured in speech, manner, etc; dogmatic

4. law

   1. admitting of no denial or contradiction; precluding debate

   2. obligatory rather than permissive

Other Word Forms

• peremptorily adverb
• peremptoriness noun
• overperemptoriness noun
• overperemptory adjective
• unperemptoriness noun
• unperemptory adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of peremptory¹

First recorded in 1505–15; from 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,” originally “to take” + -tōrius -tory ¹, with intrusive p

Word History and Origins

Origin of peremptory¹

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

Example Sentences

Plenty of agency officials were already put off by the DOGErs, who often issued peremptory orders to meet with them and answer questions.

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If one side likes a potential juror, then 9 times out of 10 the other side will exercise a peremptory challenge to make sure that this person does not make it onto the jury.

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But with both sides having limited peremptory challenges, and Merchan unwilling to strike many jurors for cause, the panel filled up fast.

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"The number of peremptory strikes are set by NY law," she noted.

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And then Trump’s counsel will have to decide whether to use one of their precious peremptory challenges.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

When To Use

What does peremptory mean?

Peremptory describes having no room for denial or refusal, as in The CEO’s peremptory remarks ended all discussion on the sale of the company.When it refers to a person’s manner, peremptory means authoritative or demanding, as in Kayla’s peremptory look always stopped her children from arguing with her.Peremptory can also describe speech or manner as assertive, as in When you present your idea to the committee, be confident and peremptory. In law, peremptory can describe something as final or definite. For example, a peremptory trial date means that the trial is happening on that date and that you can’t delay it any further. In law, peremptory can also mean absolute and unconditional, as with a formal order (writ).Be careful not to confuse peremptory with preemptory. Preemptory relates to doing something before someone else. A preemptory attack, for example, would be an attack made on the enemy before they can make one on you. Example: The boss was known for making frequent and peremptory commands that no one dared disobey.