Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Command?

\Com*mand"\ (?; 61), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Commanded}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Commanding}.] [OE. comaunden, commanden, OF. comander, F. commander, fr. L. com- + mandare to commit to, to command. Cf. {Commend}, {Mandate}.] 1. To order with authority; to lay injunction upon; to direct; to bid; to charge. We are commanded to forgive our enemies, but you never read that we are commanded to forgive our friends. --Bacon. Go to your mistress: Say, I command her come to me. --Shak. 2. To exercise direct authority over; to have control of; to have at one's disposal; to lead. Monmouth commanded the English auxiliaries. --Macaulay. Such aid as I can spare you shall command. --Shak. 3. To have within a sphere of control, influence, access, or vision; to dominate by position; to guard; to overlook. Bridges commanded by a fortified house. --Motley. Up to the eastern tower, Whose height commands as subject all the vale. --Shak. One side commands a view of the finest garden. --Addison. 4. To have power or influence of the nature of authority over; to obtain as if by ordering; to receive as a due; to challenge; to claim; as, justice commands the respect and affections of the people; the best goods command the best price. 'Tis not in mortals to command success. --Addison. 5. To direct to come; to bestow. [Obs.] I will command my blessing upon you. --Lev. xxv. 21. Syn: To bid; order; direct; dictate; charge; govern; rule; overlook.
\Com*mand"\, v. i. 1. To have or to exercise direct authority; to govern; to sway; to influence; to give an order or orders. And reigned, commanding in his monarchy. --Shak. For the king had so commanded concerning [Haman]. --Esth. iii. 2. 2. To have a view, as from a superior position. Far and wide his eye commands. --Milton.
\Com*mand"\, n. 1. An authoritative order requiring obedience; a mandate; an injunction. Awaiting what command their mighty chief Had to impose. --Milton. 2. The possession or exercise of authority. Command and force may often create, but can never cure, an aversion. --Locke. 3. Authority; power or right of control; leadership; as, the forces under his command. 4. Power to dominate, command, or overlook by means of position; scope of vision; survey. The steepy stand Which overlooks the vale with wide command. --Dryden. 5. Control; power over something; sway; influence; as, to have command over one's temper or voice; the fort has command of the bridge. He assumed an absolute command over his readers. --Dryden. 6. A body of troops, or any naval or military force or post, or the whole territory under the authority or control of a particular officer. {Word of command} (Mil.), a word or phrase of definite and established meaning, used in directing the movements of soldiers; as, {aim}; {fire}; {shoulder arms}, etc. Syn: Control; sway; power; authority; rule; dominion; sovereignty; mandate; order; injunction; charge; behest. See {Direction}.