imperative imperative /ˌɪmˈpɛrətɪv/

adjective

1. () Requiring attention or action  ( imperative )
   requiring attention or action
    As nuclear weapons proliferate, preventing war becomes imperative
   as nuclear weapons proliferate, preventing war becomes imperative
    Requests that grew more and more imperative
   requests that grew more and more imperative
   
2. Relating to verbs in the imperative mood  ( imperative )
   relating to verbs in the imperative mood
   

noun

1. Some duty that is essential and urgent  ( imperative )
   some duty that is essential and urgent
   
2. A mood that expresses an intention to influence the listener's behavior  ( imperative , imperative form , imperative mood , jussive mood )
   a mood that expresses an intention to influence the listener's behavior