1To order or command someone to do something, typically from a position of authority. A formal/literary verb — everyday speech usually prefers 命じる.
裁判所は被告に出頭を命ずる通知を送った。
The court sent a notice ordering the defendant to appear.
会社は全社員に在宅勤務を命ずる方針を決めた。
The company decided on a policy ordering all employees to work from home.
2To formally appoint someone to a position or post, used in official contexts like appointment notices or decrees.
新社長を命ずる辞令が本日発表された。
The appointment order naming the new president was announced today.
彼を支社長に命ずるという内示があった。
There was an internal notice appointing him as branch manager.