command
UK[kəˈmɑːnd]US[kəˈmænd]
v
to give an order or instruction with authority
v
to have control or authority over a group or situation
n
an authoritative order or instruction
n
the authority to give orders and control something
n
a group of officers or a body of troops under a specific authority
n
mastery or skillful control over something, especially a subject or tool
Morpheme Breakdown
com
mand
com
together, thoroughly
mand
order, entrust
Etymology
The word 'command' entered English in the 13th century from Old French 'comander', which itself derived from Vulgar Latin 'commandare', an alteration of the classical Latin verb 'commendare' (to entrust, commit). The Latin root is a compound of the intensive prefix 'com-' (thoroughly) and 'mandare' (to order, entrust), from 'manus' (hand) and 'dare' (to give), suggesting the literal idea of "giving into someone's hand" or "entrusting." Over time, the sense of entrusting evolved to emphasize the authority inherent in that act, solidifying into the modern meanings of giving authoritative orders and exercising control. This semantic shift reflects the transition from a physical handing over to a metaphorical delegation of power and instruction.
Analysis
Structure: com (together, thoroughly) + mand (order, entrust)
com: Latin prefix; a form of 'cum' meaning 'with', 'together', or 'thoroughly'. In this word, it functions as an intensifier.
mand: From Latin 'mandare', meaning 'to order, command, entrust'. It functions as the core root conveying the sense of ordering or entrusting.
Examples
The general will command the troops during the operation.
She has an impressive command of several programming languages.
The officer issued a command for everyone to evacuate the building immediately.