The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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commandeer

verb

/ˌkɒmənˈdɪə/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of commandeer

To take possession or control of something, usually by force or authority.
"The captain ordered his crew to commandeer the enemy's vessel."

Detailed meaning of commandeer

The term is often used in the context of military operations, where troops may commandeer enemy equipment or vehicles for use in their own operations. It can also be used in a civilian context, such as when a person commandeers a vehicle or property during an emergency situation. In some cases, the act of commandeering may be legal and authorized by a government or other authority, while in other cases it may be considered illegal or unauthorized. Overall, the term implies an act of taking control of something without the permission or consent of the person or entity that previously owned it.

Example sentences containing commandeer

1. During the crisis, the military had to commandeer civilian vehicles for transport.
2. The pirates attempted to commandeer the cargo ship on the high seas.
3. In wartime, governments may commandeer private property for the greater good.
4. She had to commandeer the conference room for the urgent meeting.
5. The captain had to commandeer extra supplies for the long voyage.
6. When the plane was diverted, the crew had to commandeer hotel rooms.

History and etymology of commandeer

The verb 'commandeer' has its etymological roots in Dutch. It is derived from the Dutch word 'kommanderen,' which means 'to command' or 'to order.' In English, 'commandeer' came into use during the 19th century, primarily in a military context. It refers to the act of taking possession or control of something, often by force or authority, typically for official or urgent purposes. When something is commandeered, it is usually requisitioned for use by those in authority, such as the military or government, to fulfill a specific need or mission. The etymology of 'commandeer' reflects its historical association with authoritative orders and the exercise of control, emphasizing the sometimes coercive nature of such actions.

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Further usage examples of commandeer

1. In emergencies, authorities can commandeer resources to aid disaster relief.
2. The rebel leader sought to commandeer support from neighboring nations.
3. The chef had to commandeer the kitchen to prepare the banquet.
4. The mayor decided to commandeer funds for the new public park.
5. The police had to commandeer traffic to clear the accident scene.
6. The general plans to commandeer additional troops for the mission.
7. The rebels attempted to commandeer the government's weapons supply.
8. The police had to commandeer civilian vehicles to chase the suspect.
9. The dictator decided to commandeer all private communication channels.
10. The mayor announced plans to commandeer public transportation during the festival.
11. The superhero used his powers to commandeer the enemy's weapons.
12. The hacker tried to commandeer the company's servers for illegal activities.
13. The military commander authorized soldiers to commandeer food supplies for the troops.
14. The pirate captain sought to commandeer a merchant ship for their own purposes.
15. The detective had to commandeer a bystander's phone to call for backup.
16. The government passed a law allowing them to commandeer private property for emergency situations.
17. The astronaut had to commandeer a damaged spacecraft to return to Earth.
18. The rebel leader attempted to commandeer the enemy's radio station to broadcast their message.
19. The president issued an executive order to commandeer essential medical supplies.
20. The smugglers planned to commandeer a cargo ship to transport their illegal goods.
21. The commander-in-chief ordered the military to commandeer the enemy's strategic positions.
22. The firefighters had to commandeer a nearby water source to extinguish the flames.
23. The hacker managed to commandeer a company's website and deface it.
24. The general's strategy was to commandeer enemy resources to weaken their defenses.