subjugate

verb

sub·​ju·​gate ˈsəb-ji-ˌgāt 

subjugated; subjugating

transitive verb

1

: to bring under control and governance as a subject : conquer

2

: to make submissive : subdue

subjugation

ˌsəb-ji-ˈgā-shən 

noun

subjugator

ˈsəb-ji-ˌgā-tər 

noun

Did you know?

Since jugus means "yoke" in Latin, subjugate means literally "bring under the yoke". Farmers control oxen by means of a heavy wooden yoke over their shoulders. In ancient Rome, conquered soldiers, stripped of their uniforms, might actually be forced to pass under an ox yoke as a sign of submission to the Roman victors. Even without an actual yoke, what happens to a population that has come under the control of another can be every bit as humiliating. In dozens of countries throughout the world, ethnic minorities are denied basic rights and view themselves as subjugated by their country's government, army, and police.

Synonyms

• conquer
• dominate
• overpower
• pacify
• subdue
• subject
• subordinate
• vanquish

Examples of subjugate in a Sentence

The emperor's armies subjugated the surrounding lands.

a people subjugated by invaders

Recent Examples on the Web

That message is stark: that the security of Europe and America itself would suffer if Russia succeeds in subjugating a neighboring country for having chosen to align itself with the democratic West. —Ned Temko, The Christian Science Monitor, 10 Oct. 2024

The story explores how violence and power subjugate the weak, how sacrifices are falsely justified for the 'greater good,' and how the normalization of such sacrifices can turn anyone into a monster. —Regina Kim, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024

Rather, Beijing’s persistent use of similar tactics in nearby waters suggests such actions are the primary methods in a patient, long-term strategy aimed at subjugating Taiwan without resorting to an invasion. —Isaac Kardon, Foreign Affairs, 21 May 2024

Its agenda of Hindu supremacy directs antipathy toward India’s Muslim minority, deeming the population an alien presence that subjugated Hindus in a series of historical conquests. —Andrew Cockburn, Harper's Magazine, 20 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin subjugatus, past participle of subjugare, from sub- + jugum yoke — more at yoke

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

subjugate

verb

sub·​ju·​gate ˈsəb-ji-ˌgāt 

subjugated; subjugating

1

: to bring under control and rule as a subject : conquer

2

: to make willing to submit to others : subdue

subjugation

ˌsəb-ji-ˈgā-shən 

noun

subjugator

ˈsəb-ji-ˌgāt-ər 

noun