subjugate

[suhb-juh-geyt]

verb (used with object)

subjugated, subjugating 

1. to bring under complete control or subjection; conquer; master.

   Synonyms: overpower, reduce, vanquish, overcome

2. to make submissive or subservient; enslave.

   Synonyms: overpower, reduce, vanquish, overcome

subjugate

/ ˈsʌbdʒʊˌɡeɪt, ˈsʌbdʒəɡəbəl /

verb

1. to bring into subjection

2. to make subservient or submissive

Other Word Forms

• subjugable adjective
• subjugation noun
• subjugator noun
• nonsubjugable adjective
• self-subjugating adjective
• unsubjugated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of subjugate¹

1400–50; late Middle English < Late Latin subjugātus, past participle of subjugāre to subjugate, equivalent to sub- sub- + jug ( um ) yoke ¹ + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of subjugate¹

C15: from Late Latin subjugāre to subdue, from Latin _sub- + jugum yoke

Example Sentences

In other words, writes Mr. Easterly, the developers believed they had “the right to subjugate people as long as they benefited those people.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Russia’s main war aim, to destroy Ukraine as a nation and subjugate it, remains distant.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The FTDES, which is active on migration and environmental issues, denounced "a flagrant attempt to subjugate free voices who have refused to swear allegiance" to the government.

Read more on Barron's

As he told the court that Combs had used his fame and power to "subjugate" his victims, the music mogul did not look up, remaining expressionless for the judge's 20-minute speech.

Read more on BBC

The marauders beat and slashed to death all the males in a neighboring colony and subjugated the breeding females, essentially annihilating an entire community.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• conquer 
• enslave