Command (?; 61), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Commanded; p. pr. & vb. n. Commanding.] [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.
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We are commanded to forgive our enemies, but you never read that we are commanded to forgive our friends. Bacon.
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Go to your mistress:
Say, I command her come to me. Shak.
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2. To exercise direct authority over; to have control of; to have at one's disposal; to lead.
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Monmouth commanded the English auxiliaries. Macaulay.
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Such aid as I can spare you shall command. Shak.
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3. To have within a sphere of control, influence, access, or vision; to dominate by position; to guard; to overlook.
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Bridges commanded by a fortified house. Motley.
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Up to the eastern tower,
Whose height commands as subject all the vale. Shak.
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One side commands a view of the finest garden. Addison.
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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.
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'Tis not in mortals to command success. Addison.
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5. To direct to come; to bestow. [Obs.]
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I will command my blessing upon you. Lev. xxv. 21.

Syn. -- To bid; order; direct; dictate; charge; govern; rule; overlook.
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Command, n. 1. An authoritative order requiring obedience; a mandate; an injunction.
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Awaiting what command their mighty chief
Had to impose. Milton.
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2. The possession or exercise of authority.
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Command and force may often create, but can never cure, an aversion. Locke.
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3. Authority; power or right of control; leadership; as, the forces under his command.
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4. Power to dominate, command, or overlook by means of position; scope of vision; survey.
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The steepy stand
Which overlooks the vale with wide command. Dryden.
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5. Control; power over something; sway; influence; as, to have command over one's temper or voice; the fort has command of the bridge.
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He assumed an absolute command over his readers. Dryden.
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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.
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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.

Syn. -- Control; sway; power; authority; rule; dominion; sovereignty; mandate; order; injunction; charge; behest. See Direction.
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