command

1. 1

   An order to do something.countableuncountable

   • I was given a command to cease shooting.
2. 2

   The right or authority to order, control or dispose of; the right to be obeyed or to compel obedience.countableuncountable

   • to have command of an army
3. 3

   power of control, direction or disposal; mastery.countableuncountable

   • he had command of the situation
   • England has long held command of the sea
4. 4

   A position of chief authority; a position involving the right or power to order or control.countableuncountable

   • General Smith was placed in command.
5. 5

   The act of commanding; exercise or authority of influence.countableuncountable

   • Command cannot be otherwise than savage, for it implies an appeal to force, should force be needful.
6. 6

   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.countableuncountable

   • 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.
   • Filing a complaint against a police officer in New Bedford without the benefit of witnesses is difficult, if not impossible. The police command, from sergeant to chief, is summarily defensive of the actions of police officers.
7. 7

   Dominating situation; range or control or oversight; extent of view or outlook.countableuncountable

8. 8

   A directive to a computer program acting as an interpreter of some kind, in order to perform a specific task.countableuncountable

9. 9

   The degree of control a pitcher has over his pitches.countableuncountable

   • He's got good command tonight.
10. 10

    A command performance.countableuncountable

    • 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.

syn. behest · bidding · command · commandment · decree · demand · dictate · diktat · directive · direction · edict · fiat

1. 1

   To order, to give orders; to compel or direct with authority.ambitransitive

   • The soldier was commanded to cease firing.
   • The king commanded his servant to bring him dinner.
2. 2

   To have or exercise supreme power, control, or authority (especially military over; to have under direction or control.ambitransitive

   • to command an army or a ship
3. 3

   To require with authority; to demand, order, enjoin.transitive

   • he commanded silence
4. 4

   to dominate through ability, resources, position, etc.; to overlook.transitive

   • Bridges commanded by a fortified house. (Motley.)
   • This observation deck commands a breathtaking view of San Francisco Bay.
5. 5

   To exact, compel, or secure by influence; to deserve, claim.transitive

   • A good magistrate commands the respect and affections of the people.
   • Justice commands the respect and affections of the people.
6. 6

   To hold; to control the use of.transitive

   • The fort commanded the bay.
   • December 1699, Joseph Addison, letter to William Congreve One [side] commands a view of the finest garden.
7. 7

   To have a view (of), as from a superior position.ambitransitivearchaic

   • Farr and wide his eye commands.
   • I pulled in hand over hand on the cord, and when I judged myself near enough, rose at infinite risk to about half my height and thus commanded the roof and a slice of the interior of the cabin.
8. 8

   To direct to come; to bestow.obsolete

   • I will command my blessing upon you.