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

The defense was running out of peremptory challenges at that point and didn’t strike this juror.

From Slate

In a trial, that problem is addressed through allowing the defense to ask more questions of the jurors and to get more peremptory challenges, which allows them to dismiss a juror without having to explain why.

From Salon

After lawyers on both sides had spent 30 minutes each quizzing them, Merchan gave the lawyers about a half-hour to prepare challenges — both for cause, which require lawyers to give reasons, and peremptory challenges that can be made without explanation.

From Seattle Times

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