命ずる
めいずる · meizuru · JLPT N2 · verb-ichidan
to command
命 (order, decree) + ずる (do): to issue an order, i.e. command; to appoint to a post
命 means order, decree, or life, and ずる is a verb-forming suffix meaning to do. Together they mean to issue a decree, commanding someone or assigning them to a role.
命 — 亼 (gather) + 卩 (kneeling person) + 口 (mouth)
Originally depicted a kneeling figure receiving an oral command from above, combining 令 (order) with an added 口 (mouth) for emphasis. The image of authority issuing decrees extended from 'command' to 'mandate' and then 'destiny, life,' as one's fate was seen as decreed by Heaven.