Com‐mand″ (?; 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.
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.
Syn. — To bid; order; direct; dictate; charge; govern; rule; overlook.