peremptory

adjective

pe·​remp·​to·​ry pə-ˈrem(p)-t(ə-)rē How to pronounce peremptory (audio)
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 peremptoryWilliam Shakespeare
b
: indicative of a peremptory attitude or nature : haughty
a peremptory tone
peremptory disregard of an objection
peremptorily
pə-ˈrem(p)-t(ə-)rə-lē How to pronounce peremptory (audio)
-ˌrem(p)-ˈtȯr-ə-lē
adverb
peremptoriness noun

Did you know?

Peremptory comes from Latin perimere, which means "to take entirely" or "to destroy." The prefix per- means "thoroughly," and emere means "to take." Implying the removal of one's option to disagree or contest something, peremptory stays close to its roots.

Choose the Right Synonym for peremptory

masterful, domineering, imperious, peremptory, imperative mean tending to impose one's will on others.

masterful implies a strong personality and ability to act authoritatively.

her masterful personality soon dominated the movement

domineering suggests an overbearing or arbitrary manner and an obstinate determination to enforce one's will.

children controlled by domineering parents

imperious implies a commanding nature or manner and often suggests arrogant assurance.

an imperious executive used to getting his own way

peremptory implies an abrupt dictatorial manner coupled with an unwillingness to brook disobedience or dissent.

given a peremptory dismissal

imperative implies peremptoriness arising more from the urgency of the situation than from an inherent will to dominate.

an imperative appeal for assistance

Examples of peremptory in a Sentence

Her peremptory tone angered me. the governor's peremptory personal assistant began telling the crowd of reporters and photographers exactly where they had to stand
Recent Examples on the Web But Honduras continued to make willful and peremptory demands, even publicly releasing incorrect information, causing harm to the government of Taiwan. Paul Best, Fox News, 27 Mar. 2023 But under international law, Russia is not entitled to compensation if the countermeasure is proportionate and prompted by Russia’s own grave breach of peremptory norms of international law—a breach that has already been affirmed by both the International Court of Justice and the United Nations. Lawrence H. Summers, Foreign Affairs, 15 June 2023 Besides the request to the court for a peremptory writ of mandate to obtain, records, McPherson also asks for the reimbursement of attorneys’ fees and other costs associated with the suit. Variety, NBC News, 7 Apr. 2023 The people working there, with their flushed faces, peremptory manner, and white uniforms, greeted her like a lifelong acquaintance. Thomas Bunstead, Harper's Magazine, 21 Feb. 2022 Such peremptory strikes, as they're called, don't require the lawyer using it to cite any reasons for their removals. Bruce Vielmetti, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2021 The defense used a peremptory strike to send home a nursing assistant who marched in a protest and carried a sign. CBS News, 23 Mar. 2021 The prosecution used all 12 of its peremptory strikes on white potential jurors. New York Times, 4 Nov. 2021 Jury selection wrapped up around 7 p.m. Monday after lawyers used their peremptory strikes to cut a panel of 34 down to 20, 12 jurors plus eight alternates. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 2 Nov. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'peremptory.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of peremptory was in the 15th century

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Dictionary Entries Near peremptory

Cite this Entry

“Peremptory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peremptory. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

peremptory

adjective
pe·​remp·​to·​ry pə-ˈrem(p)-t(ə-)rē How to pronounce peremptory (audio)
1
: not to be refused
a peremptory summons from the boss
2
: expressing command
called for silence with a peremptory gesture
3
: showing the attitude of one accustomed to command : arrogant
the peremptory tone caused resentment
peremptorily adverb
peremptoriness noun

Legal Definition

peremptory

1 of 2 adjective
pe·​remp·​to·​ry pə-ˈremp-tə-rē How to pronounce peremptory (audio)
1
: permitting no dispute, alternative, or delay
specifically : not providing an opportunity to show cause why one should not comply
when the right to require the performance of the act is clear and it is apparent that no valid excuse can be given for not performing it, a peremptory mandamus may be allowed Revised Statutes of Nebraska
2
: not requiring cause see also peremptory challenge at challenge
peremptoriness noun

peremptory

2 of 2 noun
plural peremptories
: peremptory challenge at challenge
Etymology

Late Latin peremptorius, from Latin, destructive, from perimere to take entirely, destroy

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