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

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

From BBC

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

The California Constitution wouldn’t have allowed Newsom to commandeer those functions from the independent treasurer even had he wanted to.

From Los Angeles Times

Ellie charges through sheets of rain and commandeers a boat into the choppy waters of Elliott Bay, washing up on a local island's shore to be captured and nearly killed by Seraphites.

From Salon

Related Words

• confiscate 
• hijack