commanded; commanding; commands

1

**:**to direct authoritatively

**:**order

commanded adherence to the rules

2

**:**to exercise a dominating influence over

**:**have command of: such as

a

**:**to have at one's immediate disposal

commands many resources

b

**:**to demand or receive as one's due

commands a high fee

c

**:**to overlook or dominate from or as if from a strategic position

a hill that commands the city

d

**:**to have military command of as senior officer

command a regiment

3

obsolete

**:**to order or request to be given1

**:**to have or exercise direct authority

**:**govern

a leader who knows how to command well

2

**:**to give orders

Rob seldom commanded, but when he did Master Ted had to give in.—Louisa May Alcott

3

**:**to be commander

The general will command at the western front.

4

**:**to dominate as if from an elevated place

1

a

**:**an order given

The command was to hold fire.

b(1)

**:**a signal that actuates a device (such as a control mechanism in a spacecraft or one step in a computer)

(2)

**:**the activation of a device by means of such a signal

(3)

**:**a line of code (see code entry 1 sense 5) instructing a computer to send such a signal

2

a

**:**the ability to control

**:**mastery

She was in command of her emotions.

b

**:**the authority or right to command

the officer in command

c(1)

**:**the power to dominate

The fort has command of the valley.

(2)

**:**scope of vision

The tower provides a wide command of the neighboring hills.

d

**:**facility in use

a good command of French

e

**:**control sense 1d

a pitcher with good command of his curveball

3

**:**the act of commanding

The troops will charge at command.

4

**:**the personnel, area, or organization under a commander

specifically

**:**a unit of the U.S. Air Force higher than an air force5

**:**a position of highest usually military authority

He was relieved of his command after being charged with misconduct.

**:**done on command or request

a command performance

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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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