# commandeered

/ˌkɑmənˈdɪɹd/ (US) · /kɒmɑːndˈiəd/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/commandeered
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

- Transitive and takes a direct object; past form is commandeered.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.