WordGarden.iocommandeer
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /kɒmɑːndˈiə/
US
- /ˌkɑmənˈdɪr/
Meanings
Verb
to take control of property, a vehicle, or a resource by force or official authority
to take over something for one's own use, often without permission
Beyond the definition
Imagine a pirate captain shouting "Commandeer that ship!" – they’re taking it over by force. But commandeer doesn’t always involve pirates. It means to take control of something, often by force or with official permission, for a particular purpose. A government might commandeer resources during a crisis, like food or vehicles. Or, if your little brother "commandeers" your favorite toy, he’s taking it without asking. The word suggests authority: someone is taking charge, with or without legal backing.
To commandeer something means to take control or use of it, usually by authority or force, and usually for a specific need. It implies seizing possession for a clear purpose, often during emergencies or other urgent situations. While it can sound dramatic—like commandeering a ship during wartime—it's also used in less extreme cases.
The word is tied to the idea of command, which helps explain its feeling of force and authority. A military officer might commandeer civilian vehicles to transport troops, or a government might commandeer hotel rooms during a natural disaster to house displaced people.
It’s not always official, though. In everyday speech, you might say someone commandeered the TV remote to watch their favorite show. That usage still carries a sense of forceful control and, often, not asking first.
The key to understanding commandeer is that it is about taking control—often quickly and for a pressing reason—usually for temporary use, not permanent ownership, driven by someone with power or urgency.
Examples
- 1
Emergency response
During the flood, rescue workers commandeered two fishing boats to reach the village.
- 2
Political conflict
The rebels commandeered a radio station and used it to broadcast their message.
- 3
Humorous control
My aunt commandeered the kitchen before dinner and told the rest of us to stay out.
- Usage
can be used humorously for taking control of a place or thing
- 4
Meeting control
He somehow commandeered the whole meeting and turned it into a pitch for his new app.
- Patterncommandeer a meeting
take control of it, often too forcefully
See also
Similar
- seize
- take over
- requisition
Shades of meaning
- appropriate
- hijack
- co-opt
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- commandeer a vehicle
- commandeer supplies
- commandeer a room
- commandeer the conversation
Word family
Explore
- confiscation
- eminent domain
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- commandeerverb
Forms
- commandeeredpast tenseverb
- commandeering-ing formverb
- commandeersverb