peremptory

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.

The first records of the term peremptory come from around the early 1500s. It comes from the Latin peremptōrius, meaning “final, decisive, deadly.”

What are some other forms related to peremptory?

• peremptorily (adverb)
• unperemptory (adjective)

What are some synonyms for peremptory?

• overbearing
• authoritative
• dogmatic
• domineering

What are some words that share a root or word element with peremptory? 

• peremptory challenge
• peremptory exception

What are some words that often get used in discussing peremptory?

• message
• command
• edict

What are some words peremptory may be commonly confused with?

• preemptory

Peremptory is mostly used in legal contexts to describe an absolute command or undebatable decision.

"Something was making him nibble at the edge of stale ideas as if his sturdy physical egotism no longer nourished his peremptory heart." ~Tom Buchanan, The Great Gatsby

— Paul Deaton (@PaulDeaton_IA) February 13, 2021

I assume @KodakBlack1k don't wear @Nike shoes because "Just do it" is a bit peremptory and Kodak Black don't like instructions.

— I Caught That Cap On Camera🤳🤳 (@ToryGohoek) February 16, 2021

I love the way Janice Long says ‘I Want to Know What Love Is’ in the same peremptory way you might say ‘I want that report on my desk by tomorrow’. #totp

— Melanie Couldrey (@notthatmelc) February 8, 2018

Which of the following words is NOT a synonym of peremptory? 

A. polite
B. commanding
C. abrupt
D. imperious