commandeer

Definition

To seize property or people for official use, typically military, often without asking nicely first. The government's version of 'borrowing' your stuff, except there's no intention of returning it and you don't get a choice. Originally about forcing people into military service, now applies to anyone with authority taking what they need because they can.

Example Usage

During the emergency, the military commandeered several hotels to house evacuees.

Source: Military terminology via dictionary definition

Related Terms

Beginner

Rally Point

A predetermined location where dispersed unit members regroup after an attack, retreat, or other disruption. The military's version of "meet me at the food court if we get separated," except with more shooting and fewer pretzels.

🎖️ Military / Defense

Advanced

materiel

Military equipment and supplies, spelled fancy with an extra 'e' to distinguish it from 'material' and confuse spell-checkers everywhere. Encompasses everything from ammunition to vehicles to MREs that taste like regret. The logistical backbone of any military operation, because even the best strategy fails if you run out of bullets.

🎖️ Military / Defense

Intermediate

Sortie

A single military mission flown by one aircraft. The fanciest possible way to say 'one plane went and did a thing.' Borrowed from the French because everything sounds more sophisticated in French, even bombing runs.

🎖️ Military / Defense

Intermediate

fortress

A heavily fortified stronghold designed to withstand prolonged attacks, essentially a castle on steroids. These massive defensive structures represent the pinnacle of military architecture, combining walls, towers, and strategic positioning. If a fort is a secure house, a fortress is a secure mansion with a moat and very unfriendly neighbors.

🎖️ Military / Defense

Beginner

Active Duty

Full-time military service where you belong to the armed forces 24/7, 365 days a year. It is like a regular job except your boss can tell you where to live, what to wear, when to sleep, and how to cut your hair. The benefits are decent but the dress code is non-negotiable.

🎖️ Military / Defense

Advanced

Enfilade Fire

Gunfire directed along the length of an enemy formation rather than frontally, maximizing casualties as each bullet has multiple potential targets. The military's way of saying "bowling for soldiers" with significantly grimmer implications.

🎖️ Military / Defense

Translate This Term

See “commandeer” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.

Try the Translator

Share This Term

Post on X Share on Facebook Share on LinkedIn

Discover a Term

Intermediate

lobbyist

A professional persuader who gets paid obscene amounts of money to convince politicians that corporate interests somehow...