Command

(6), v. t. [imp. & p. p. COMMANDED; p. pr. & vb. n. COMMANDING.] [Fr. commander, Pr. & Sp. comandar, It. comandare, from Lat. com and mandare, to commit to, to command.]

1Sense 1. To order with authority; to lay injunction upon; to direct; to bid; to summon.

Go to your mistress, Say I command her come to me. Shak.

Agricola, therefore, commanded home for doing too much of what he was sent to do, left the province to his successor quiet and secure. Milton.

2Sense 2. To exercise supreme authority over; to have the chief control of; to lead.

When Charles and Louis united their forces against Holland, Monmouth commanded the English auxiliaries who were sent to the continent. Macaulay.

3Sense 3. To have within a sphere of influence, control, or vision. “Bridges commanded by a fortified house.” Motley.

Up to the eastern tower, Whose height commands, as subject, all the vale, To see the sight. Shak.

One side commands a view of the finest garden in the world. Addison.

4Sense 4. To exact or enforce by moral influences; to challenge; to claim; as, a good magistrate commands the respect and affections of the people.

Synonyms—To bid; order; direct; charge; govern; overlook.

To have or to exercise supreme authority; to possess the chief power; to govern.

1Sense 1. An authoritative order; mandate; injunction.

Warriors old, with ordered spear and shield, Awaiting what command their mighty chief Had to impose. Milton.

2Sense 2. The application or exercise of authority.

Command and force may often create, but can never cure, an aversion. Locke.

3Sense 3. The right or possession of authority; supreme power; control.

He assumed an absolute command over his readers. Dryden.

4Sense 4. The ability to overlook, control, or watch.

The steepy stand Which overlooks the vale with wide command. Dryden.

5Sense 5. A body of troops, or any naval or military force or post, under the command of a particular officer.

Synonyms—Control; sway; power; authority; mandate; order; injunction; charge; direction; behest.