adj.
Pronunciation: p ə - ' rem(p)-t( ə -)r ē
Function: adjective
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
Date: 15th century
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 peremptory ― Shakespeare> b : indicative of a peremptory attitude or nature : HAUGHTY <a peremptory tone> < peremptory disregard of an objection>
synonyms see MASTERFUL
– pe · remp · to · ri · ly \ - ' rem(p)-t( ə -)r ə -l ē ; - ˌ rem(p)- ' to ̇ r- ə -l ē \ adverb
– pe · remp · to · ri · ness \ - ' rem(p)-t( ə -)r ē -n ə s \ noun