The Spanish verb 'comandar' (to command) comes from Italian 'comandare' with the same meaning. The Italian word was formed from two Latin elements: the prefix 'com-' meaning 'together, completely' and the verb 'mandare' meaning 'to entrust, command'. The combination essentially meant 'to completely entrust' or 'to give orders together', which evolved into the modern meaning of commanding or taking charge.

Several common Spanish words share this etymology, including 'mandar' (to order, to send), which comes directly from Latin 'mandare'. The word 'mando' (command, control) is also related. These words maintain the core concept of giving orders or having authority.

English speakers might recognize this root in words like 'command', 'mandate', 'mandatory', and 'demand' - all of which share the Latin ancestor 'mandare'. The 'com-' prefix is also found in many English words like 'combine', 'compress', and 'complete', where it maintains its meaning of 'together' or 'completely'.