English Explanatory Dictionary

commandeer

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To seize for military use.
  2. To force into military service.
  3. To take arbitrarily or by force.
  4. To take or use for some purpose (not necessarily arbitrarily or by force).

Pronunciation

/kɒmənˈdɪə(ɹ)/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-commandeer.wav

Word forms

commandeer commandeers commandeering commandeered

Etymology

Late 19th century. From Dutch commanderen (“to command”), partially through its descendant, Afrikaans kommandeer (“to command”). Ultimately from French commander, from Old French comander, from Latin commendare. Doublet of command.

Related words

appropriate call up

Derived words

commandeerer
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