Commandeer Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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commandeer
[ˌkɒmənˈdɪə ]
Definitions
military
To officially take possession or control of something, especially for military purposes. It often involves seizing property or resources without permission.
Synonyms
appropriate, confiscate, seize.
Examples of usage
- The army decided to commandeer the local school as their base of operations.
- The government has the authority to commandeer private vehicles in times of emergency.
everyday life
To take control or possession of something without permission, often in a forceful or unexpected manner.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The kids commandeered the TV remote and refused to give it back.
- She commandeered the conference room for her own meeting without asking.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Military Usage
- Commandeer is frequently used in military operations to describe the requisitioning of vehicles and supplies.
- In wartime, military leaders may commandeer civilian resources for strategic purposes.
- The practice can sometimes create tension between military forces and civilian populations.
Pop Culture
- Movies often depict commandeering as a brave act, such as when characters hijack vehicles for heroic purposes.
- In video games, players often commandeer enemy vehicles or equipment to gain an advantage.
- TV shows frequently explore the theme of commandeering in scenes involving law enforcement or military action.
Legal Implications
- There are laws governing how and when authorities can commandeer private property, often requiring compensation.
- Emergency services may have the right to commandeer vehicles during disasters to save lives.
- In some jurisdictions, commandeering can lead to legal disputes if not addressed properly.
Psychology
- The act of commandeering can evoke feelings of power and control, stemming from authority figures in life.
- People may feel justified in commandeering when it promotes a perceived greater good, showcasing moral complexity.
- This behavior can be analyzed through the lens of authority and obedience in social psychology.
Origin of 'commandeer'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the French ' commander', meaning 'to order' or 'to give a command'.
- In English, it was first recorded in the early 19th century, often in military contexts.
- Originally, it was associated with official authority, especially in a military setting.
The word 'commandeer' originated from the Dutch word 'kommanderen', meaning 'to command or order'. It was first used in English in the early 17th century. Originally, it referred to the act of ordering or commanding someone to do something. Over time, the meaning evolved to include the idea of taking possession or control of something, especially in a military context.
See also: command, commander, commanding, commandingly, commands.