peremptory

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. adjective offensively self-assured or given to exercising usually unwarranted power
  2. adjective not allowing contradiction or refusal
  3. adjective putting an end to all debate or action

Etymology

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”).

In classic literature

Synonyms

autocratic, bossy, dominating, high-and-mighty, magisterial

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