Definition

1. Noun:

   • An authoritative order or instruction: A directive given with the expectation of obedience.
   • The authority or power to give orders and control others: The position of leadership or control.
   • Mastery or great skill in a particular area: A thorough knowledge or control of a subject or skill.
   • A military unit or area under the control of a specific officer: An organizational structure in armed forces.
   • (Computing) A specific instruction given to a computer program: A line of code that performs a particular operation.

2. Verb:

   • To give an authoritative order: To direct someone with authority.
   • To have authority or control over; to lead: To be in a position of power or leadership.
   • To deserve and get (respect, attention, etc.): To be worthy of and receive something due to authority or quality.
   • To dominate a strategic position: To overlook or control an area from a superior vantage point.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The general issued a command to advance.
  • He has a strong command of several programming languages.
  • The officer took command of the battalion.
  • Type the 'copy' command to duplicate the file.

• Verb:

  • The captain commanded the troops to hold their position.
  • She commands a great deal of respect in her field.
  • The fortress commands a view of the entire valley.

Advanced Usage

• "At one's command": Available for one's use.
  • He has vast resources at his command.
• "In command (of)": Having control or authority over.
  • She is in command of the situation.
• "Command performance": A special performance given by royal or official order.
  • The play was staged as a command performance for the visiting dignitaries.

Variants and Related Words

• Commander (n): A person in authority, especially over a body of troops or a military operation.
• Commanding (adj): Having a position of authority; giving an impression of power.
  • He has a commanding presence.
• Commandment (n): A divine command, especially one of the Ten Commandments.

Synonyms

• Noun: Order, directive, instruction, mastery, control, authority.
• Verb: Order, direct, instruct, lead, control, govern, dominate.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Command respect: To be worthy of and receive respect.
  • His integrity commands respect from everyone.
• Command attention: To compel others to pay attention.
  • The speaker's powerful voice commanded the audience's attention.

Related Idioms

• To have a good command of something: To be proficient or skilled in something.
  • She has an excellent command of English grammar.
• To be in command of oneself: To have self-control.
  • Even under pressure, he was in complete command of himself.

Noun

1. (computer science) a line of code written as part of a computer program
2. great skillfulness and knowledge of some subject or activity
   • a good command of French
3. a position of highest authority
   • the corporation has just undergone a change in command
4. availability for use
   • the materials at the command of the potters grew
5. the power or authority to command
   • an admiral in command
6. a military unit or region under the control of a single officer
7. an authoritative direction or instruction to do something

Verb

1. exercise authoritative control or power over
   • control the budget
   • Command the military forces
2. look down on
   • The villa dominates the town
3. demand as one's due
   • This speaker commands a high fee
   • The author commands a fair hearing from his readers
4. make someone do something
5. be in command of
   • The general commanded a huge army