imperative

adjective. not to be avoided or evaded: necessary

• an imperative duty
• It is imperative that the public be informed about these dangers. = It is imperative to inform the public about these dangers.

adjective. expressive of a command, entreaty, or exhortation

• an imperative tone of voice
• The democratic instinct is in France too imperative … to consider consequences …

adjective. having power to restrain, control, and direct

• "Eat your vegetables!" is an imperative sentence.

noun. something that is imperative: such as

• A sheep dog emits imperatives to his flock hardly distinguishable from those that the shepherd employs toward him.
• legal imperatives

noun. command, order

• lived by certain simple imperatives
• Environmental consciousness is no longer just another lifestyle choice; … it has been upgraded to a moral imperative.

noun. rule, guide

• Corporate competitive imperatives are the palpable force destroying care.