peremptorily

[ puh-remp-tawr-i-lee ]

adverb

1. in a way that leaves no opportunity for denial or refusal:

   They had barely arrived when they were peremptorily ordered by a no-nonsense state policeman to turn around and leave the area immediately.

2. in an assertive or imperious way:

   His mother had tried to impose strict rules of behavior on the teen, but he told her peremptorily, "Hands off my life; I’ll live it however I want!"

3. Law. in an absolute or unconditional way; in a decisive way that does not admit of debate or question:

   According to Article V, if two-thirds of states apply for a convention to propose a constitutional amendment, Congress is peremptorily required to call one.

Other Words From

• o·ver·per·emp·tor·i·ly adverb
• un·per·emp·tor·i·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of peremptorily¹

peremptory ( def ) + -ly

Example Sentences

She also says colleagues thought Roberts “was acting peremptorily” when he imposed a plan to hold 10 arguments by telephone when the pandemic began that year.

From Seattle Times

When you reduce their workload peremptorily you are penalizing them for their health condition.

From New York Times

Tennessee's legislature recently passed a bill that allows the state attorney general to seek a court order removing any local prosecutor who "peremptorily and categorically" refuses to prosecute certain criminal offenses regardless of the facts.

From Salon

He simply did not want contact from anyone he didn’t know, and he made it quite clear, peremptorily, to Jack Collins that no mail—even important, flattering, or personal messages—should be forwarded to him.

From Literature

The law permits the state’s legal chief to ask the Tennessee Supreme Court to appoint a temporary prosecutor when the district attorney has “peremptorily and categorically” refused to charge a case.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• arbitrarily
• forthwith
• promptly
• swiftly