subjugate
What does "subjugate" mean?
To subjugate means to bring someone or something under complete control, typically through conquest, force, or domination. Imagine a powerful ruler or an overwhelming force that forces a smaller entity to bow down, stripping them of their autonomy and making them entirely dependent on or subservient to the victor. This word is almost exclusively used in formal or historical contexts, often describing the actions of empires, armies, or even metaphorical forces like nature or human impulses. It carries a heavy, serious tone, implying a total loss of freedom and the imposition of external authority.
"subjugate" in conversation
History class discussion
How did the empire subjugate the local tribes?
How did the empire subjugate the local tribes?
They used superior technology and sheer numbers to break their resistance.
They used superior technology and sheer numbers to break their resistance.
Used here to describe historical military conquest.
Discussing a thriller novel
The villain's ultimate goal is to subjugate the entire planet.
The villain's ultimate goal is to subjugate the entire planet.
It's a classic trope, but it works well for raising the stakes.
It's a classic trope, but it works well for raising the stakes.
Used in a metaphorical, dramatic sense regarding world domination.
"subjugate" in a sentence
The army moved quickly to subjugate the rebellious provinces.
The army moved quickly to subjugate the rebellious provinces.
It took decades for the invaders to fully subjugate the local population.
It took decades for the invaders to fully subjugate the local population.
She fought hard to ensure her personal ambitions did not subjugate her moral principles.
She fought hard to ensure her personal ambitions did not subjugate her moral principles.
