commandeer

To seize for military purposes, or to compel stores or facilities for the use of the military.

Now used more widely, e.g. The robber commandeered the Mayor's limousine.

Originally from the Afrikaans.

Com`man*deer" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Commandeered (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Commandeering.] [D. kommandeeren to command, in South Africa to commandeer, fr. F. commander to command. See Command.]

1. (Mil.)

To compel to perform military service; to seize for military purposes; -- orig. used of the Boers.

2.

To take arbitrary or forcible possession of. [Colloq.]

© Webster 1913