peremptory

[ puh-remp-tuh-ree ]

adjective

1. leaving no opportunity for denial or refusal; imperative:

   a peremptory command.

2. imperious or dictatorial.

   Synonyms: domineering, dogmatic, arbitrary

3. positive or assertive in speech, tone, manner, etc.
4. 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

1. urgent or commanding

   a peremptory ring on the bell

2. not able to be remitted or debated; decisive
3. positive or assured in speech, manner, etc; dogmatic
4. law
   1. admitting of no denial or contradiction; precluding debate
   2. obligatory rather than permissive

Derived Forms

• perˈemptoriness, noun
• perˈemptorily, adverb

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

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

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

Example Sentences

If one side likes a potential juror, then 9 times out of 10 the other side will exercise a peremptory challenge to make sure that this person does not make it onto the jury.

From Salon

But with both sides having limited peremptory challenges, and Merchan unwilling to strike many jurors for cause, the panel filled up fast.

From Seattle Times

"The number of peremptory strikes are set by NY law," she noted.

From Salon

And then Trump’s counsel will have to decide whether to use one of their precious peremptory challenges.

From Los Angeles Times

The parties each get 10 “peremptory challenges” – the right to dismiss potential jurors just because lawyers’ experience and antennae tell them that the person might be leaning against their side.

From Salon

More About Peremptory

What does peremptory mean?

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.

Where does peremptory come from?

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

Did you know ... ?

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

How is peremptory used in real life?

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

Try using peremptory!

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

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