commandeer
commandeer Lexical Profile
commandeer Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To officially take possession or control of property or vehicles for public, emergency, or state use.
"Rescue workers had to commandeer several local boats to evacuate residents from the flooded neighborhood."
To take possession of something arbitrarily, forcefully, or without permission.
"My older brother decided to commandeer the living room television for the entire afternoon."
To force or enlist someone into public or state service against their will (now rare or historical).
"During the nineteenth-century conflict, local authorities could commandeer able-bodied citizens to repair damaged bridges."
• Rhymes for commandeer
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 19th century during the Boer Wars from Afrikaans kommandeer ('to command for military service'), which came via Dutch commanderen from French commander.