Peremptory
/pəˈrɛmptəri/noun
Expressing a command or assertion in a way that leaves no room for refusal or debate.
Did you know?The word comes from Latin legal language, where a peremptory order was one that cut off argument by taking the matter “beforehand” and completely.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*em-
“to take, seize”
Latin
Latin
emere
“to buy, take”
Latin
Latin
prae- + emere
“to take beforehand; to preempt”
Late Latin
Latin
peremptorius
“decisive, final; that which settles a matter completely”
Old French
Old French
peremptoire
“decisive, absolute”
Middle English
English
peremptorie
“absolute, final, not admitting denial”
Modern English
English
peremptory
“insisting on immediate obedience; leaving no opportunity for refusal or reply”