Command

Pronunciation

• RP IPA: /kəˈmɑːnd/
• GenAm IPA: /kəˈmænd/
• Hyphenation: com + mand

Origin

From Old French comander (modern French commander), from Vulgar Latin *commandare, from Latin commendare, from com- + mandare, from mandō ("I order, command"). Compare commend, mandate.

Full definition of command

Noun

1. An order to do something.I was given a command to cease shooting.
2. The right or authority to order, control or dispose of; the right to be obeyed or to compel obedience.to have command of an army
3. power of control, direction or disposal; mastery.he had command of the situationEngland has long held command of the seaa good command of language
4. A position of chief authority; a position involving the right or power to order or control.General Smith was placed in command.
5. The act of commanding; exercise or authority of influence.Command cannot be otherwise than savage, for it implies an appeal to force, should force be needful. (H. Spencer, Social Statics, p. 180)
6. (military) A body or troops, or any naval or military force, under the control of a particular officer; by extension, any object or body in someone's charge.
• 1899, Joseph Conrad, ,I asked myself what I was to do there, now my boat was lost. As a matter of fact, I had plenty to do in fishing my command out of the river.
7. Dominating situation; range or control or oversight; extent of view or outlook.
8. (computing) A directive to a computer program acting as an interpreter of some kind, in order to perform a specific task.
9. (baseball) The degree of control a pitcher has over his pitches.He's got good command tonight.

Verb

1. (transitive) To order, give orders; to compel or direct with authority.The soldier was commanded to cease firing.The king commanded his servant to bring him dinner.
• Francis BaconWe are commanded to forgive our enemies, but you never read that we are commanded to forgive our friends.
• ShakespeareGo to your mistress:
  Say, I command her come to me.
2. (transitive) To have or exercise supreme power, control or authority over, especially military; to have under direction or control.to command an army or a ship
• MacaulayMonmouth commanded the English auxiliaries.
• ShakespeareSuch aid as I can spare you shall command.
3. (transitive) To require with authority; to demand, order, enjoin.he commanded silenceIf thou be the son of God, command that these stones be made bread. (Mat. IV. 3.)
• 2013, Louise Taylor, English talent gets left behind as Premier League keeps importing (in The Guardian, 20 August 2013)http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2013/aug/19/english-talent-premier-league-importingThe reasons for this growing disconnect are myriad and complex but the situation is exacerbated by the reality that those English players who do smash through our game's "glass ceiling" command radically inflated transfer fees.
4. (transitive) to dominate through ability, resources, position etc.; to overlook.Bridges commanded by a fortified house. (Motley.)
5. (transitive) To exact, compel or secure by influence; to deserve, claim.A good magistrate commands the respect and affections of the people.Justice commands the respect and affections of the people.The best goods command the best price.This job commands a salary of £30,000.
6. (transitive) To hold, to control the use of.The fort commanded the bay.
• Motleybridges commanded by a fortified house
• ShakespeareUp to the eastern tower,
  Whose height commands as subject all the vale.
• AddisonOne side commands a view of the finest garden.
7. (intransitive, archaic) To have a view, as from a superior position.
• MiltonFar and wide his eye commands.
8. (obsolete) To direct to come; to bestow.
• Bible, Leviticus xxv. 21I will command my blessing upon you.

Synonyms

• (give an order) decree, order

Derived terms