(in military contexts) having a position of authority

a commanding officer

(of a place or position) dominating from above; giving a wide view of an area

the castle is built in a commanding position on a hill looking out over the sea

give an authoritative or peremptory order

a gruff voice commanded us to enter

‘Stop arguing!’ he commanded

he commanded that work should cease

my mother commands my presence

dominate (a strategic position) from a superior height

the fortress commands the shortest Channel crossing

be in a strong enough position to have or secure

they command a majority in Parliament

he commanded considerable personal loyalty