command

Universal Words noun, verb noun order 1 [C] an order given to a person or an animal: Begin when I give the command. * You must obey the captain's commands. for computer 2 [C] an instruction given to a computer: What is the startup command for the program? control 3 [U] control and authority over a situation or a group of people: He has 1200 men under his command. * He has command of 1200 men. * The police arrived and took command of the situation. * For the first time in years, she felt in command of her life. * He looked relaxed and totally in command of himself. * Who is in command here? * There were many disagreements over the command of the peacekeeping forces. * the chain of command seealsoSECONDINCOMMAND in armed forces 4 (Command) [C] a part of an army, air force, etc. that is organized and controlled separately; a group of officers who give orders: Bomber Command knowledge 5 [U,sing.] ~ (of sth) your knowledge of sth; your ability to do or use sth, especially a language: Applicants will be expected to have (a) good command of English. IDIOMS at your command if you have a skill or an amount of sth at your command, you are able to use it well and completely: With all the words at my command, I could not express how I felt. be at sb's command (formal) to be ready to obey sb: I'm at your command-what would you like me to do? moreatWISHn. verb order 1 (of sb in a position of authority) to tell sb to do sth SYNORDER: [VNtoinf] He commanded his men to retreat. * [VN] She commanded the release of the prisoners. * [Vthat] (formal) The commission intervened and commanded that work on the building cease. * (BrE also) The commission commanded that work on the building should cease. [also Vspeech, VNspeech, V] -< ORDER in armed forces 2 to be in charge of a group of people in the army, navy or air force: [VN] The troops were commanded by General Haig. [also V] deserve and get 3 [VN] [nopassive] (not used in the progressive tenses) to deserve and get sth because of the special qualities you have: to command sympathy / support * She was able to command the respect of the class. * The headlines commanded her attention. * As a top lawyer, he can expect to command a six-figure salary. view 4 [VN] [nopassive] (not used in the progressive tenses) (formal) to be in a position from where you can see or control sth: The hotel commands a fine view of the valley. * They built a castle commanding the river crossing. control 5 [VN] [nopassive] (not used in the progressive tenses) (formal) to have control of sth; to have sth available for use: The party was no longer able to command a majority in Parliament. * the power and finances commanded by the police