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command

n. · v.
US //kəˈmænd// UK //kəmˈɑːnd// com·mand
  1. 1 an order (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    an order given by a person in authority.

    an authoritative directive or order that must be obeyed.

    Example

    The soldiers waited for the general's command before they began to move.

    Example

    The officer issued a sharp command to halt, and the entire column stopped instantly in perfect formation.
  2. 2 authority or control (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Military

    the power to control a group of people, especially in the military.

    the right or authority to order, control, or lead a specific group or operation.

    Example

    She took command of the project after the previous manager left.

    Example

    After years of distinguished service, he was finally given command of the regional naval fleet.
    • subordination
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  1. 3 mastery of a skill (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    your ability to use something well, like a language or a machine.

    the ability to use or control something effectively; a high level of proficiency or mastery.

    Example

    He has an excellent command of the French language.

    Example

    Her impressive command of complex economic theory allowed her to simplify the data for the board of directors.
  2. 4 computing instruction (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Technical Computing

    an instruction you give to a computer to make it do a specific task.

    a specific instruction or signal given to a computer program or operating system to perform a task.

    Example

    Type the command into the box and press enter to start the search.

    Example

    The system failed to execute the command because the user lacked the necessary administrative permissions.
  3. 5 to give an order (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to tell someone with authority that they must do something.

    to direct with authority; to give an order that requires obedience.

    Example

    The king commanded his servants to prepare a great feast.

    Example

    The judge commanded the witness to answer the question directly without further hesitation.
  4. 6 to deserve or get (v.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    to get something because you are important or respected.

    to deserve and get something, such as respect or attention, because of your qualities or position.

    Example

    She is the kind of leader who naturally commands respect from everyone.

    Example

    The CEO's presence in the room was enough to command the absolute attention of every executive present.
Origin

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *ḱe Proto-Indo-European *ḱóm Proto-Italic *kom Proto-Italic *kom- Latin con- Proto-Indo-European *(s)meh₂-der. Proto-Italic *manus Proto-Indo-European *dʰeh₁- Proto-Indo-European *dʰéh₁tder. Proto-Italic *-ðō Proto-Italic *manuðō Latin mandō Latin commendō ▲ Latin mandōinflu. Latin commandāre Old French comanderbor. Middle English comaunden English command 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).

Word family
Idioms1 entry

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