Refine this word faster

Stronger alternatives Opposite tone Use in context Cross-language nuance

Command

//kəˈmɑːnd// noun, verb

Definitions

Noun

1
An order to do something. countable, uncountable
"I was given a command to cease shooting."
2
availability for use wordnet
3
The right or authority to order, control or dispose of; the right to be obeyed or to compel obedience. countable, uncountable
"to have command of an army"
4
the power or authority to command wordnet
5
power of control, direction or disposal; mastery. countable, uncountable
"he had command of the situation"

Show 12 more definitions

6
great skillfulness and knowledge of some subject or activity wordnet
7
A position of chief authority; a position involving the right or power to order or control. countable, uncountable
"General Smith was placed in command."
8
(computer science) a line of code written as part of a computer program wordnet
9
The act of commanding; exercise or authority of influence. countable, uncountable
"Command cannot be otherwise than savage, for it implies an appeal to force, should force be needful."
10
an authoritative direction or instruction to do something wordnet
11
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. countable, uncountable
"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."
12
a military unit or region under the control of a single officer wordnet
13
Dominating situation; range or control or oversight; extent of view or outlook. countable, uncountable
14
a position of highest authority wordnet
15
A directive to a computer program acting as an interpreter of some kind, in order to perform a specific task. countable, uncountable
16
The degree of control a pitcher has over his pitches. countable, uncountable
"He's got good command tonight."
17
A command performance. countable, uncountable
"Atkinson […] had hinted to me that the Duke of Richmond was so delighted with my acting that he should not be surprised if there was a second command."

Verb

1
To order, give orders; to compel or direct with authority. ambitransitive
"The soldier was commanded to cease firing."
2
make someone do something wordnet
3
To have or exercise supreme power, control or authority over, especially military; to have under direction or control. ambitransitive
"to command an army or a ship"
4
be in command of wordnet
5
To require with authority; to demand, order, enjoin. transitive
"he commanded silence"

Show 8 more definitions

6
demand as one's due wordnet
7
to dominate through ability, resources, position etc.; to overlook. transitive
"Bridges commanded by a fortified house. (Motley.)"
8
exercise authoritative control or power over wordnet
9
To exact, compel or secure by influence; to deserve, claim. transitive
"A good magistrate commands the respect and affections of the people."
10
look down on wordnet
11
To hold, to control the use of. transitive
"The fort commanded the bay."
12
To have a view (of), as from a superior position. ambitransitive, archaic
"Farr and wide his eye commands."
13
To direct to come; to bestow. obsolete
"I will command my blessing upon you."

Etymology

Etymology 1

From Middle English commanden, commaunden, comaunden, comanden, from Old French comander, from Late Latin commandāre, from Latin commendāre. Ultimately from Latin com- + mandō (whence ultimately also commend (a doublet), mandate, and recommend), from manus + -dō. Compare typologically Russian поручи́ть (poručítʹ), поруче́ние (poručénije), руководи́ть (rukovodítʹ), руководи́тель (rukovodítelʹ) related to рука́ (ruká).

Etymology 2

Next best steps

Find stronger synonyms See usage examples Check pronunciation

Mini challenge

Unscramble this word: command