peremptory

pe·remp·to·ry

adj \pə-ˈrem(p)-t(ə-)rē\

Definition of PEREMPTORY

1

a : putting an end to or precluding a right of action, debate, or delay; specifically : not providing an opportunity to show cause why one should not comply <a peremptory mandamus> b : admitting of no contradiction

2

: expressive of urgency or command <a peremptory call>

3

a : characterized by often imperious or arrogant self-assurance <how insolent of late he is become, how proud, how peremptory — Shakespeare> b : indicative of a peremptory attitude or nature : haughty <a peremptory tone> <peremptory disregard of an objection>

— pe·remp·to·ri·ly \-ˈrem(p)-t(ə-)rə-lē; -ˌrem(p)-ˈtȯr-ə-lē\ adverb

— pe·remp·to·ri·ness \-ˈrem(p)-t(ə-)rē-nəs\ noun

Examples of PEREMPTORY

1. Her peremptory tone angered me.
2. <the governor's peremptory personal assistant began telling the crowd of reporters and photographers exactly where they had to stand>

Origin of PEREMPTORY

Middle English peremptorie, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin & Latin; Late Latin peremptorius, from Latin, destructive, from perimere to take entirely, destroy, from per- thoroughly + emere to take — more at redeem

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to PEREMPTORY

Synonyms: authoritarian, authoritative, autocratic (also autocratical), despotic, dictatorial, domineering, imperious, masterful, overbearing, bossy, tyrannical (also tyrannic), tyrannous

Antonyms: elective, optional, voluntary

Related Words: arrogant, assumptive, disdainful, fastuous, haughty, highfalutin (also hifalutin), high-and-mighty, high-hat, huffy, important, lofty, lordly, overweening, presuming, presumptuous, pretentious, proud, self-asserting, supercilious, superior, toplofty (also toploftical), uppish, uppity; commanding, controlling, dictating, regimental; arbitrary, high-handed, imperial; directorial, magisterial; aggressive, assertive, self-assertive; imperative; conceited, narcissistic, pompous, vain; all-powerful, almighty, omnipotent; firm, stern

Near Antonyms: humble, meek, modest, unassuming; amenable, docile, obedient, tractable; indecisive, irresolute; acquiescent, compliant, passive, resigned, submissive, yielding

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