commission Definition

commission
noun

1a. A formal or official request to someone to perform a task or duty;

Thesaurus: order, command.
1b. The authority to perform such a task or duty;

Thesaurus: authority, authorization.
1c. The task or duty performed.

Thesaurus: assignment, duty, work, function.
2a. A military rank above the level of officer;
2b. The document conferring this rank.
3. An order for a piece of work, especially a work of art.
4. A board or committee entrusted with a particular task.

Example: the equal rights commission
Thesaurus: committee, representatives, board, council.
5. A fee or percentage given to an agent for arranging a sale, etc.

Thesaurus: payment, royalty, fee, remuneration, salary, stipend, indemnity.
6. The act of committing (eg a crime).

verb commissioned, commissioning

1. To give a commission or authority to someone.
2. To grant a military rank above a certain level to someone.
3. To request someone to do something.

Thesaurus: hire, charter, engage, contract; authorize, appoint, assign, nominate.
4. To place an order for something, eg a work of art, etc.
5. To prepare (a ship) for active service.

Idiom: in commission

In use or working condition.

Idiom: out of commission

Out of use or working condition.
Thesaurus: damaged, broken, out of order, inoperative, on the blink (slang).

Etymology: 14c: French, from Latin commissio, from committere to commit.