peremptory

American  

[puh-remp-tuh-ree] / pəˈrɛmp tə ri /

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.

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peremptory British  

/ 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

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Usage

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.

Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of peremptory

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

Explanation

Peremptory comments are like orders. If you say something in a peremptory manner, you want people to stop what they’re doing and do what you say. Peremptory comments put an end to a discussion, and that’s final! The word peremptory comes from the Latin peremptorius for “decisive, final.” Trace it further and find that peremptor means "destroyer," from perimpere for "destroy, cut off.” Basically, peremptory commands destroy the conversation. They are given with an air of authority, and they are often barked. In the courtroom, peremptory orders are not open to appeal; they’re final. Outside of the courtroom, a peremptory manner is just plain rude.

Example Sentences

Peremptory strikes are a set number of opportunities that the defense and prosecution have to exclude any juror.

From Washington Post • Nov. 4, 2021

Peremptory challenges are controversial to some - the UK abolished them in 1988 - because critics believe that lawyers can try to skew juries in a particular way and a randomly selected jury is fairer.

From BBC • Jan. 15, 2020

Peremptory challenges are different from “for cause” challenges, where lawyers must explain to a judge why they are excluding a juror.

From Slate • May 23, 2016

Peremptory letters sent wife and son on their way to Paris, and the elder Mozart was greatly relieved when he knew them safely beyond the confines of Mannheim.

From The Loves of Great Composers by Kobbé, Gustav

Peremptory orders followed, requiring the governors to send up “emigrants” for the Ylígan district.

From The Philippine Islands by Foreman, John