Added 9 October 2026
peremptory
/pəˈɹɛmptəɹi/ adjective
Latin root: peremptōrius Wiktionary
adjective Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about peremptory at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
- Precluding debate or expostulation; not admitting of question or appeal.
-
Of a date or deadline, absolutely requiring compliance or attendance; brooking no further delay; proceeding whether a party attends or not; final.
As this trial has now been postponed multiple times, there will be an adjournment to April 24, peremptory on the parties.
- Positive in opinion or judgment; absolutely certain, overconfident, unwilling to hear any debate or argument (especially in a pejorative sense); dogmatic.
noun
Origin
From Anglo-Norman peremptorie, parentorie et al. (Modern French péremptoire), and its source, Latin peremptōrius (“deadly; precluding debate, decisive”), from perimō (“destroy, thwart”), from per- (“thorough”) + emō (“to obtain, buy”).
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)