Peremptory means commanding and leaving no room for discussion or refusal. When a teacher gives a peremptory order to stop talking, the tone makes it clear this isn't a suggestion or request: it's a command that expects immediate obedience.

The word carries a sense of authority mixed with impatience. A peremptory dismissal means someone was told to leave without explanation or debate. A judge might make a peremptory ruling that ends an argument in the courtroom immediately. When your parents use a peremptory tone, you know they've made their final decision and won't be negotiating.

Peremptory is stronger than just being direct or firm. It suggests an almost aggressive certainty, sometimes bordering on arrogance. A peremptory gesture, like a sharp wave of the hand, conveys “do it now, no questions.” While this commanding quality can be necessary in emergencies, someone who's constantly peremptory can seem bossy and difficult to work with.

The word appears often in legal contexts. A peremptory challenge lets lawyers remove potential jurors without giving a reason. In this case, the decision is final and can't be questioned, which is exactly what peremptory means.