commandeer

American  

[kom-uhn-deer] / ˌkɒm ənˈdɪər /

verb (used with object)

1. to order or force into active military service.

2. to seize (private property) for military or other public use.

   The police officer commandeered a taxi and took off after the getaway car.

3. to seize arbitrarily.

---

commandeer British  

/ ˌkɒmənˈdɪə /

verb

1. to seize for public or military use

2. to seize arbitrarily

---

Etymology

Origin of commandeer

1880–85; < Afrikaans kommandeer < French commander to command

Example Sentences

He regularly turned up at the U.K.’s New York consulate, would commandeer the consulate’s car and visit friends, including Epstein, the book says.

From The Wall Street Journal

Menendez explained that she needed more time to find the line between legitimate government activity and the unconstitutional “commandeering” of states by the federal government.

From Los Angeles Times

He was known for regularly ambling by and commandeering these tour groups to show off whatever latest project he had going or demonstrate the precise and persnickety method he’d perfected for planting a tree.

From The Wall Street Journal

American forces are taking at least some of the commandeered tankers to Texas.

From The Wall Street Journal

One more thing: Because they haven’t lived through it, many might be surprised how close to the surface are contingencies that would totally commandeer the U.S. economy and politics for the next few years.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• confiscate
• hijack