Word
commandeered
Phoneticscom·man·deered, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌkɑmənˈdɪɹd/
UK/kɒmɑːndˈiəd/
Definition
v. to take something that belongs to someone else for official or military use. You use this when the army or police need a car, building, or supplies in an emergency.
v. to seize private property for military or official use under claimed authority. Often extended to any forceful takeover of space or resources for immediate practical need.
Examples
“The army can commandeer trucks during an emergency.”
“Police commandeered a nearby shop as a command post after the street was closed.”
“After the flood, officials commandeered the school gym to house displaced families and store relief supplies.”
Examples
simple
“The army can commandeer trucks during an emergency.”
contextual
“Police commandeered a nearby shop as a command post after the street was closed.”
complex
“After the flood, officials commandeered the school gym to house displaced families and store relief supplies.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “commandeered” in context.
Verb
01. army commandeer
“The army commandeered the hotel during the conflict.”
noun + verb
02. commandeer building
“The army commandeered the school building for headquarters.”
verb + noun
03. commandeer supplies
“Rebels commandeered food supplies from the village store.”
verb + noun
04. commandeer vehicle
“The troops commandeered a vehicle to reach the border quickly.”
verb + noun
05. police commandeer
“Police commandeered a van to block the road.”
noun + verb
Adjective
06. forcibly commandeer
“Soldiers forcibly commandeered the bus to transport the wounded.”
adv + verb
Noun
07. commandeer during emergency
“Officers can commandeer cars during a major emergency.”
verb + prep + noun
08. commandeer for use
“The authorities commandeered the stadium for military use.”
verb + prep + noun
09. commandeer from civilian
“They commandeered fuel from local civilians without payment.”
verb + prep + noun
10. army commandeered the school
“The army commandeered the school and turned it into a base.”
11. commandeer a vehicle for use
“The unit commandeered a vehicle for use as an ambulance.”
12. commandeer supplies in an emergency
“Authorities can commandeer supplies in an emergency to help victims.”
Usage
Transitive and takes a direct object; past form is commandeered.
Real-World Examples
“People forget that this was commandeered by the police on Sept. 11, 2001, as a staging area amid the chaos, “NYPD Temp HQ” spray-painted over the front door.” “However, Mr. Catsimatidis felt the need for a more personal celebration and commandeered a section of the less-than-glamorous lobby at AMC Kips Bay 15 for a separate event on Tuesday night.” “The men were on trial for their part in the events of the night of July 15, 2016, when a group of military officers and civilians commandeered tanks and warplanes, firing on protesters and bombing the Parliament building in the capital, Ankara, in an effort to seize power.” “In 1990, Chechen separatists commandeered a Russian Tu-154 aircraft.” Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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