Dictionary.com

peremptory

[ puh-remp-tuh-ree ]
/ pəˈrɛmp tə ri /
Save This Word!
See synonyms for: peremptory / peremptorily / peremptoriness on Thesaurus.com
adjective
leaving no opportunity for denial or refusal; imperative: a peremptory command.
imperious or dictatorial.
positive or assertive in speech, tone, manner, etc.
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.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?
His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.
His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

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 -tory1, with intrusive p

OTHER WORDS FROM peremptory

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH peremptory

peremptory , preemptive

Words nearby peremptory

Pereira, pereira bark, pereirine, Perelman, peremptorily, peremptory, peremptory challenge, peremptory exception, Perendale, perennate, perennial
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Words related to peremptory

absolute, arbitrary, assertive, autocratic, binding, bossy, categorical, certain, commanding, compelling, decided, decisive, dictatorial, dogmatic, domineering, final, finished, firm, fixed, high-handed

How to use peremptory in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for peremptory

peremptory
/ (pəˈrɛmptərɪ) /
adjective
urgent or commandinga peremptory ring on the bell
not able to be remitted or debated; decisive
positive or assured in speech, manner, etc; dogmatic
law
  1. admitting of no denial or contradiction; precluding debate
  2. obligatory rather than permissive

Derived forms of peremptory

peremptorily, adverbperemptoriness, noun

Word Origin for peremptory

C16: from Anglo-Norman peremptorie, from Latin peremptōrius decisive, from perimere to take away completely, from per- (intensive) + emere to take
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
FEEDBACK