commander

/kəˈmændər/

/kəˈmændə/

Other forms: commanders

A commander is the person in charge, particularly in the military. If you're in the Navy, your commander gives directions that you're expected to follow.

A commander does exactly what it sounds like: she issues instructions or commands and assumes they'll be obeyed. Although there are other kinds of commanders, you're most likely to find the word describing a military official. The President of the United States is considered the "Commander-in-Chief" of the US Armed Forces. The word comes from the Old French comander, "to order."

Definitions of commander

1. noun

   someone in an official position of authority who can give orders or control others
   type of:

   leader

   a person who rules or guides or inspires others
2. noun

   an officer in charge of a military unit
   synonyms: commandant, commanding officer

   types:

   SACLANT, Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic

   commanding officer of ACLANT; a general of the United States Army nominated by the President of the United States and approved by the North Atlantic Council

   SACEUR, Supreme Allied Commander Europe

   commanding officer of ACE; NATO's senior military commander in Europe

   commander in chief, generalissimo

   the officer who holds the supreme command

   wing commander

   (RAF rank) one who is next below a group captain

   type of:

   military officer, officer

   any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command
3. noun

   an officer in the airforce
   synonyms: air force officer

   type of:

   man, military man, military personnel, serviceman

   someone who serves in the armed forces; a member of a military force
4. noun

   a commissioned naval officer who ranks above a lieutenant commander and below a captain
   type of:

   commissioned naval officer

   a commissioned officer in the navy