kəˈmɑ:nd v. & n. --v.tr. 1 (often foll. by to + infin., or
that + clause)
give formal order or instructions to (commands us to
obey; commands that it be done). 2 (also absol.)
have authority or
control over. 3 a (often refl.)
restrain,
master. b
gain the use of; have at one's
disposal or
within reach (skill, resources, etc.) (commands an
extensive knowledge of
history; commands a
salary of ø40,000). 4
deserve and get (sympathy,
respect, etc.). 5
Mil.
dominate (a
strategic position)
from a
superior height;
look down over. --n. 1 an
authoritative order; an
instruction. 2
mastery, control,
possession (a
good command of languages;
has command of the resources). 3 the
exercise or
tenure of authority,
esp.
naval or
military (has command of
this ship). 4 Mil. a a
body of troops etc. (Bomber Command). b a
district under a
commander (Western Command). 5 Computing a an instruction causing a
computer to
perform one of
its basic functions. b a signal initiating
such an
operation. øat command
ready to be used at will. at (or by) a person's command in
pursuance of a person's
bidding. command
module the control
compartment in a
spacecraft. Command
Paper (in the UK) a paper
laid before Parliament by command of the
Crown. command
performance (in the UK) a
theatrical or
film performance
given by
royal command. command post the
headquarters of a military
unit. in command of
commanding; having under control. under command of commanded
by.
word of command 1 Mil. an order
for a
movement in a drill etc. 2 a prearranged
spoken signal for the
start of an operation. [ME f. AF comaunder, OF comander f. LL commandare COMMEND]