commander
n.-
1 military leader (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatea person who is in charge of a military group or operation.
an officer who exercises authority and direction over a military or naval unit.
ExampleThe commander ordered the soldiers to return to the base immediately.
ExampleThe supreme commander coordinated the joint task force across three different time zones to ensure the operation's success.
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2 naval rank (n.) C1 Advanced Technicala specific rank for an officer in the navy, just below a captain.
a naval officer rank positioned above lieutenant commander and below captain.
ExampleAfter ten years of service, she was promoted to the rank of commander.
ExampleThe commander took charge of the frigate while the captain was attending the briefing at headquarters.
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3 police or space official (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatea high-ranking official in the police or the person in charge of a spacecraft.
a senior rank in various non-military organisations, such as police forces or NASA flight crews.
ExampleThe mission commander checked the fuel levels before the rocket took off.
ExampleThe incident commander established a perimeter around the building to manage the emergency response effectively.
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4 honorary title (n.) C2 Proficiency Formala special title given to someone as an award or honour.
a specific grade or rank within an order of chivalry or an honorary society.
ExampleHe was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire for his charity work.
ExampleThe scientist was appointed a Commander of the Legion of Honour in recognition of her contributions to global health.
From Middle English comaundour, commaunder, comaunder, borrowed from Old French comandeor, cumandeur, from comander. By surface analysis, command + -er. See command.