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Subjugate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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subjugate

[ˈsʌbdʒʊˌɡeɪt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

to control

To subjugate means to bring someone or something under complete control, often in a harsh or oppressive way. It involves suppressing or dominating a person, group, or territory.

Synonyms

conquer, dominate, enslave, oppress.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
subjugate

Used when one entity brings another under control or dominance, often through military conquest or suppression.

  • The empire aimed to subjugate all neighboring territories.
  • The ruler sought to subjugate the rebels.
dominate

Used when someone or something has a commanding influence or control over others. This term can apply in both literal and figurative contexts.

  • The team managed to dominate the entire season.
  • His charisma allowed him to dominate the conversation.
oppress

Used when a person or authority keeps others down in a cruel or unjust manner. This also has a strong negative connotation.

  • The dictator used fear to oppress the people.
  • Minorities were long oppressed by discriminatory laws.
enslave

Used when one person or group forces another into slavery. This word carries a highly negative connotation.

  • Pirates would often capture and enslave their victims.
  • The oppressive regime attempted to enslave the entire population.
conquer

Used when one group or country defeats another, especially in a war, and takes control of it.

  • The army was able to conquer the fortified city.
  • The explorer set out to conquer new lands.

Examples of usage

  • The tyrant sought to subjugate the population through fear and intimidation.
  • The invaders aimed to subjugate the native people and exploit their resources.
  • The dictator used propaganda to subjugate the minds of the citizens.
Context #2 | Verb

to subdue

To subjugate can also mean to subdue or bring something under control through force or conquest. It implies the act of overpowering or defeating an opponent.

Synonyms

defeat, overpower, quell, suppress.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
subjugate

Appropriate when describing the action of bringing a group or population under control, often through conquest or force. Can have a negative connotation implying oppression.

  • The dictator aimed to subjugate all opposition
  • Ancient empires often subjugated neighboring territories
overpower

Typically used when describing the act of physically or metaphorically overwhelming someone or something, indicating superior strength or force.

  • The security guards were able to overpower the intruder
  • His charisma seemed to overpower everyone in the room
defeat

Best used when referring to winning a victory over an opponent in a battle, game, or competition.

  • Our team managed to defeat the champions in the final match
  • The army was able to defeat the invading forces
quell

Used to describe the act of suppressing or pacifying a disturbance or feeling, often through force or authority.

  • The government took steps to quell the uprising
  • She managed to quell her anxiety before the presentation
suppress

Refers to the act of forcibly putting an end to something, such as a rebellion, emotion, or piece of information. Often carries a negative connotation when related to censorship or oppression.

  • The regime tried to suppress all forms of dissent
  • He could not suppress his laughter during the meeting

Examples of usage

  • The army was able to subjugate the rebellion and restore order.
  • The hero's goal was to subjugate the villain and save the city from destruction.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'subjugate'

The word 'subjugate' originated from the Latin word 'subjugatus', which means 'brought under a yoke' or 'subdued'. It entered the English language in the late 15th century. Throughout history, the concept of subjugation has been prevalent in various forms of governance and conquest, where one group seeks to assert dominance over another through force or authority.

See also: subjugated, subjugator.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,781, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.