'Imperative' definitions:

Definition of 'imperative'

(from WordNet)
adjective
Requiring attention or action; "as nuclear weapons proliferate, preventing war becomes imperative"; "requests that grew more and more imperative" [ant: beseeching, imploring, pleading]
adjective
Relating to verbs in the imperative mood
noun
A mood that expresses an intention to influence the listener's behavior [syn: imperative mood, imperative, jussive mood, imperative form]
noun
Some duty that is essential and urgent

Definition of 'Imperative'

From: GCIDE
  • Imperative \Im*per"a*tive\, n. (Gram.) The imperative mood; also, a verb in the imperative mood. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Imperative'

From: GCIDE
  • Imperative \Im*per"a*tive\, a. [L. imperativus, fr. imperare to command; pref. im- in + parare to make ready, prepare: cf. F. imp['e]ratif. See Perade, and cf. Empire.]
  • 1. Expressive of command; containing positive command; authoritatively or absolutely directive; commanding; authoritative; as, imperative orders. [1913 Webster]
  • The suit of kings are imperative. --Bp. Hall. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. Not to be avoided or evaded; obligatory; binding; compulsory; as, an imperative duty or order. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. (Gram.) Expressive of command, entreaty, advice, or exhortation; as, the imperative mood. [1913 Webster]

Synonyms of 'imperative'

From: Moby Thesaurus