commandeer

[kom-uhn-deer]

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

/ ˌkɒmənˈdɪə /

verb

1. to seize for public or military use

2. to seize arbitrarily

Word History and Origins

Origin of commandeer¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of commandeer¹

C19: from Afrikaans kommandeer, from French commander to _command

Example Sentences

Swift pointed out that nobody wants a guest to commandeer a wedding speech to flaunt their own relationship news.

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During the war, Winfield was commandeered by the Royal Air Force balloon barrage unit with officers reportedly playing football in the gardens.

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In his response to the video, DeSantis wrote on X: "We will not allow our state roads to be commandeered for political purposes".

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Between practices one day, a rambunctious group of players had commandeered a trailer and rode it down a hill behind Fawcett Stadium.

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They argued that the unwarranted commandeering of National Guard troops, without the consent or input of the governor, violated the U.S.

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Related Words

• confiscate 
• hijack