commander-in-chief
UK: kəˈmɑːndər ɪn ˈtʃiːf | US: kəˈmændər ɪn ˈtʃiːf
n. the highest-ranking officer in a military force, typically the head of state or government in some nations.
n. a person with supreme authority over a group or operation.
The term combines "commander" (from Old French comander, meaning "to order," derived from Latin commandare: com- "with" + mandare "to entrust") with "chief" (from Old French chief, meaning "leader," from Latin caput "head"). The phrase "in chief" (Middle English) signifies "supreme" or "primary." Historically, it emphasized the ultimate authority of a military leader, later extending to civilian leadership roles (e.g., U.S. President as Commander-in-Chief).
The President serves as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
The general was appointed commander-in-chief during the crisis.
As commander-in-chief, he approved the strategic deployment.
The title "commander-in-chief" dates back to 17th-century military hierarchies.
She became the first female commander-in-chief of the nation’s military.