command
The general has absolute command over his troops.
The general has complete control and authority over his soldiers.
An order given with authority
The captain gave the command to retreat.
The captain issued the order to withdraw.
Often used in military, organizational, or hierarchical contexts.
The ability to use or control something
The system requires admin command to modify settings.
The system needs administrative privileges to change configurations.
In computing, refers to instructions given to a computer program.
A body of troops or ships under a commander
The French command arrived just in time for the battle.
The French military unit led by a commander arrived punctually for combat.
Refers to a military unit or the personnel under a specific leader.
To give an authoritative order
The teacher commanded the students to be silent.
The teacher ordered the students to stop talking.
Used when someone in authority issues a directive.
To have control over something
The AI can command multiple devices simultaneously.
The artificial intelligence can control several machines at once.
In computing, refers to the ability of a program to manage other systems.
Collocations
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Distinguish verb and noun uses
Remember that 'command' as a verb (e.g., 'She commands respect') implies active authority, while as a noun (e.g., 'He gave the command') it refers to the order itself or the group under control.
Gold Rule
Context determines meaning
The meaning of 'command' shifts significantly between military ('military unit'), technical ('system control'), and general ('order') contexts. Always check the surrounding text for clues.
Word Origin
From Old French 'commander' (to order), from Latin 'commendare' (to entrust, commit to one's care), from 'com-' (together) + 'mandare' (to order). The military sense of a body of troops dates to the 17th century.
Usage Notes
As a verb, 'command' often implies authority or expertise. As a noun, it can refer to an order, a military unit, or control over a system. The verb form is transitive (e.g., 'command troops') while the noun can be countable or uncountable depending on context.