Entry Word: imperious

Function: adjective

Meaning: 1 fond of ordering people around <an imperious little boy who liked to tell his parents what to do> — see bossy
2 having a feeling of superiority that shows itself in an overbearing attitude <an imperious movie star who thinks sheʼs some sort of goddess> — see arrogant
3 having or showing a tendency to force oneʼs will on others without any regard to fairness or necessity <an office administrator with an imperious manner> — see arbitrary 1
4 needing immediate attention <as war casualties mounted, the need for trained nurses became imperious> — see acute 2