View synonyms for peremptory

peremptory

[ puh-remp-tuh-ree ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

leaving no opportunity for denial or refusal; imperative:
a peremptory command.
imperious or dictatorial.
Synonyms: domineering, dogmatic, arbitrary
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.

peremptory

/ pəˈrɛmptərɪ /

adjective

urgent or commanding
a 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

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Derived Forms

perˈemptoriness, noun
perˈemptorily, adverb

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Other Words From

per·emp·to·ri·ly [p, uh, -remp-, tawr, -i-lee], adverb
per·emp·to·ri·ness noun
o·ver·per·emp·to·ri·ness noun
o·ver·per·emp·to·ry adjective
un·per·emp·to·ri·ness noun
un·per·emp·to·ry adjective

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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

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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

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Example Sentences

He telegraphed her a peremptory appeal to go up to her house in London, and she was too wise to refuse.

From Project Gutenberg

A peremptory message was sent at the same time to Matthews to demand his ultimate answer.

From Project Gutenberg

My father, my own weakness, or your own peremptory commands could not keep me at Belleville when I knew you had been brought here.

From Project Gutenberg

Ten shillings and Jaffery's peremptory order to stick to his side and obey him slavishly took the place of intellectual workings.

From Project Gutenberg

But here the peremptory tones of his father called the young philosopher to take the colts down to the lower pasture.

From Project Gutenberg

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