peremptory
UK: /pəˈrɛmptəri/ | US: /pəˈrɛmptɔːri/
adj. 1. (of a command, decision, etc.) leaving no room for refusal or debate; decisive and final.
adj. 2. (of a person or manner) insisting on immediate attention or obedience; imperious.
peremptory = per<through> + empt<take> + ory<adjective suffix>
- per (Latin: "through, thoroughly")
- empt (Latin: "take," from emere, meaning "to buy or acquire")
- ory (Latin-derived suffix forming adjectives, indicating "relating to or characterized by")
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin peremptorius ("destructive, decisive"), from perimere ("to destroy, cut off"), combining per- (thoroughly) + emere (to take). Originally used in legal contexts (e.g., a peremptory challenge to dismiss a juror without reason), it evolved to describe anything conclusively dismissive or authoritarian. The morphemes reflect a sense of "taking complete control," aligning with its modern meanings of finality or dominance.
The judge issued a peremptory order, ending further discussion.
Her peremptory tone made it clear she would tolerate no objections.
A peremptory refusal left no room for negotiation.
He dismissed the idea with a peremptory wave of his hand.
The manager’s peremptory style often alienated her team.