DictionarycommendEntrust to care
verb

commend

To entrust someone or something to another's care.

The letter commends the child to her aunt's care.

Etymology

Latin mandare meant to entrust, strengthened by con-. This use of commend preserves placing someone or something in another’s charge, with an expectation of care or protection.

More examples

  • He commended the papers to a trusted keeper.
  • They are commending the matter to the committee.
  • She commends the travelers to their host.

Forms

commend · commends · commended · commending

Similar words

entrust
The usual modern term.
commit
Places in another's charge.