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

The graffiti on a building commandeered by troops read: “We wanted peace, you wanted war”.

From BBC

She suggested that buses commandeered by the students to take them to Mexico City – a regular practice which was tolerated by the bus companies – were secretly transporting heroin.

From BBC

Palmer, a self-employed tradesman, was said to have “commandeered” a police riot shield and joined the mob, while on licence for drug offences.

From BBC

Of the 19 attackers, 15 were Saudis, including the two in California who would commandeer the jetliner that they crashed into the Pentagon.

From Los Angeles Times

In street takeovers, also known as sideshows, drivers commandeer intersections to engage in illegal and often dangerous stunts.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• confiscate
• hijack