im·per·ate I. \ˈimpəˌrāt\transitive verb (-ed/-ing/-s) Etymology: Latin imperatus, past participle of imperare to command — more at emperor : command, govern • im·per·a·tion\ˌimpəˈrāshən\noun-s II. adjective Etymology: Latin imperatus obsolete, of an act: commanded — contrasted with elicit