commandv. t.[OE. comaunden, commanden, OF. comander, F. commander, fr. L. com- + mandare to commit to, to command. Cf. Commend, Mandate.]1. To order with authority; to lay injunction upon; to direct; to bid; to charge.()We are commanded to forgive our enemies, but you never read that we are commanded to forgive our friends. (Bacon.)Go to your mistress:
Say, I command her come to me. (Shak.)2. To exercise direct authority over; to have control of; to have at one's disposal; to lead.()Monmouth commanded the English auxiliaries. (Macaulay.)Such aid as I can spare you shall command. (Shak.)3. To have within a sphere of control, influence, access, or vision; to dominate by position; to guard; to overlook.()Bridges commanded by a fortified house. (Motley.)Up to the eastern tower,
Whose height commands as subject all the vale. (Shak.)One side commands a view of the finest garden. (Addison.)4. To have power or influence of the nature of authority over; to obtain as if by ordering; to receive as a due; to challenge; to claim; as, justice commands the respect and affections of the people; the best goods command the best price.()'Tis not in mortals to command success. (Addison.)5. To direct to come; to bestow.()I will command my blessing upon you. (Lev. xxv. 21.)()v. i.1. To have or to exercise direct authority; to govern; to sway; to influence; to give an order or orders.()And reigned, commanding in his monarchy. (Shak.)For the king had so commanded concerning [Haman]. (Esth. iii. 2.)2. To have a view, as from a superior position.()Far and wide his eye commands. (Milton.)n.1. An authoritative order requiring obedience; a mandate; an injunction.()Awaiting what command their mighty chief
Had to impose. (Milton.)2. The possession or exercise of authority.()Command and force may often create, but can never cure, an aversion. (Locke.)3. Authority; power or right of control; leadership; as, the forces under his command.()4. Power to dominate, command, or overlook by means of position; scope of vision; survey.()The steepy stand
Which overlooks the vale with wide command. (Dryden.)5. Control; power over something; sway; influence; as, to have command over one's temper or voice; the fort has command of the bridge.()He assumed an absolute command over his readers. (Dryden.)6. A body of troops, or any naval or military force or post, or the whole territory under the authority or control of a particular officer.()Word of command (Mil.), a word or phrase of definite and established meaning, used in directing the movements of soldiers; as, aim; fire; shoulder arms, etc.()()()