HealthJuly 4, 2026
ultimatum
ˌʌltɪˈmeɪtəm
Definition
A final demand or statement of terms, the rejection of which will result in retaliation or a specified consequence.
Etymology
The word comes from the Latin 'ultimatus', meaning 'final' or 'last'. It entered English in the late 18th century as a diplomatic term for the final conditions offered before the breakdown of negotiations or the start of a war.
In the news
In the article, Abby advises the reader to present her husband with an ultimatum, specifically requiring him to seek and maintain therapy or face the separation of their family. It is used here as a firm boundary to force a necessary change in a dysfunctional situation.
Dear Abby: My husband refuses to get help for his mental health issues. I feel like I’m going at it alone
Read the full article ↗OregonLive.com