Definition of command
transitive verb
1 : to direct authoritatively : order commanded adherence to the rules
2 : to exercise a dominating influence over : have command of: such asa : to have at one's immediate disposal commands many resourcesb : to demand or receive as one's due commands a high feec : to overlook or dominate from or as if from a strategic position a hill that commands the cityd : to have military command of as senior officer command a regiment
3 obsolete : to order or request to be given
intransitive verb
1 : to have or exercise direct authority : govern The king knows how to command well.
2 : to give orders The master commands, and the servants obey.
3 : to be commander The general will command at the western front.
4 : to dominate as if from an elevated place
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Examples of command in a Sentence
She commanded us to leave.
Military leaders commanded the troops to open fire.
She commanded that work on the bridge cease immediately.
We had no choice but to do as they commanded.
He commands a platoon of 60.
With his skills and experience, he can command a high salary.
The company commands much power and influence in the business world.
Origin and Etymology of command
Middle English comanden, from Anglo-French cumander, from Vulgar Latin *commandare, alteration of Latin commendare to commit to one's charge — more at commend
First Known Use: 14th century
Synonym Discussion of command
command
Definition of command
1a : an order given The command was to hold fire. a dog trained to attack on command [=in response to a command]b : a signal that actuates a device (such as a control mechanism in a spacecraft or one step in a computer); also : the activation of a device by means of such a signal
2a : the ability to control : mastery She was in command of her emotions.b : the authority or right to command the officer in commandc (1) : the power to dominate The fort has command of the valley. (2) : scope of vision The tower provides a wide command of the neighboring hills.d : facility in use a good command of Frenche : control 1d a pitcher with good command of his curveball
3 : the act of commanding The troops will charge at command.
4 : the personnel, area, or organization under a commander; specifically : a unit of the U.S. Air Force higher than an air force
5 : a position of highest usually military authority He was relieved of his command after being charged with misconduct.
Examples of command in a Sentence
We are expected to obey his commands.
She shouted out commands to the crew.
We started to teach the dog simple commands like “sit” and “lie down.”
You can perform several actions with keyboard commands.
The system recognizes voice commands.
He was relieved of his command after being charged with misconduct.
Who is the officer in command of the unit?
I assumed command of the business after my father's death.
He immediately took command of the situation.
He finally felt in command of his life.
15th Century
First Known Use of command
15th century
Synonym Discussion of command
command
Definition of command
: done on command or request a command performance
1826
First Known Use of command
1826
COMMAND Defined for English Language Learners
command
playDefinition of command for English Language Learners
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: to give (someone) an order : to tell (someone) to do something in a forceful and often official way
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: to have authority and control over (a group of people, such as soldiers)
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: to deserve or be able to get or receive (something)
command
Definition of command for English Language Learners
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: an order given to a person or animal to do something
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: an instruction in the form of a code or signal that tells a computer to do something
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: the power that someone (such as a military officer) has to give orders and to control a group of people
COMMAND Defined for Kids
Definition of command for Students
commanded
;commanding
1 : to order with authority The king commanded them to leave.
2 : to have power or control over : be commander of He commands an army.
3 : to demand as right or due : exact A piano teacher commands a high fee.
4 : to survey from a good position The fort is on a hill that commands a view of the city.
Word Root of command
The Latin word mandāre, meaning “to commit” or “to order,” gives us the root mand. Words from the Latin mandāre have something to do with committing or ordering. When a task is mandatory, someone has ordered that it must be done. To command is to order someone to do something. A mandate is an order from an authority to follow specific instructions.
Definition of command for Students
1 : an order given Obey her command.
2 : the authority, right, or power to command : control The troops are under my command.
3 : the ability to control and use : mastery She has a good command of the language.
4 : the people, area, or unit (as of soldiers and weapons) under a commander
5 : a position from which military operations are directed
Learn More about command
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See words that rhyme with command Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for command Spanish Central: Translation of command Nglish: Translation of command for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of command for Arabic speakers
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