Definition

1. Verb:
   • To bring under complete control or subjection; to conquer and dominate.
   • To make subservient or force to submit to a governing power or authority.

Usage

The verb "subjugate" describes the act of gaining and exercising total control over a person, group, or territory, often through force, coercion, or oppressive means. It implies a relationship where one party is dominated and deprived of autonomy.

Examples

• Historically, powerful empires would subjugate neighboring peoples and absorb them into their dominion.
• The dictator used the army to subjugate the population and crush all political opposition.
• Some argue that certain economic systems can subjugate workers by controlling their labor and limiting their freedom.

Advanced Usage

• "to subjugate oneself to": To voluntarily submit or yield to a greater power, authority, or principle.
  • The monk chose to subjugate himself to the strict rules of the monastery.
• Used in abstract or metaphorical contexts to describe overcoming or controlling something non-physical.
  • She struggled to subjugate her feelings of anger and respond calmly.

Variants and Related Words

• Subjugation (n): The act or process of subjugating, or the state of being subjugated.
  • The country suffered for decades under foreign subjugation.
• Subjugator (n): A person or entity that subjugates.
  • The conqueror was remembered as a ruthless subjugator.

Synonyms

• Conquer
• Enslave
• Dominate
• Oppress
• Vanquish

Antonyms

• Liberate
• Free
• Emancipate
• Release

Related Phrases and Idioms

• To subjugate by force: To conquer through military or physical power.
  • The region was subjugated by force, not by treaty.
• To subjugate the will: To completely overcome someone's desires or free will.
  • The cult leader's goal was to subjugate the will of his followers.

Verb

1. make subservient; force to submit or subdue
2. put down by force or intimidation
   • The government quashes any attempt of an uprising
   • China keeps down her dissidents very efficiently
   • The rich landowners subjugated the peasants working the land