commanded; commanding; commands
Definition of command
(Entry 1 of 3)
1 : to direct authoritatively : order commanded adherence to the rules
2 : to exercise a dominating influence over : have command of: such as
a : to have at one's immediate disposal
commands many resources
b : to demand or receive as one's due
commands a high fee
c : to overlook or dominate from or as if from a strategic position
a hill that commands the city
d : to have military command of as senior officer
command a regiment
3 obsolete : to order or request to be given
command
nounDefinition of command (Entry 2 of 3)
1a : an order given
The command was to hold fire.
b(1) : a signal that actuates a device (such as a control mechanism in a spacecraft or one step in a computer)
(2) : the activation of a device by means of such a signal
(3) : a line of code (see code entry 1 sense 5) instructing a computer to send 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 command
c(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 French
e : control sense 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.
on command
: when an order is given : in response to a command
a dog trained to attack on command
command
adjectiveDefinition of command (Entry 3 of 3)
: done on command or request
a command performance
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Share command
Time Traveler for command
The first known use of command was in the 14th century
See more words from the same century