Example of Ultimatum

The word ultimatum comes from the Latin, meaning 'final'. In practice, an ultimatum is a final offer containing 'the ultimate' threat, whereby the person being given the ultimatum is required to do something, or take the consequences. Ultimatums, by definition, mean that the negotiation stage is over, and that actions must follow. A diplomatic ultimatum is usually a threat of war, or economic actions against another nation. Historically, ultimatums have usually led to wars, directly or indirectly.