1. To direct with authority; give orders to.
2. To have control or authority over; rule: a general who commands an army.
3. To have at one's disposal: a person who commands seven languages.
4. To deserve and receive as due; exact: The troops' bravery commanded respect.
5. a. To exercise dominating, authoritative influence over: He commands any room he enters.
b. To dominate by physical position; overlook: a mountain commanding the valley below.