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

• subjugation noun
• subjugable adjective
• 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

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.

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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

They are only a sticking point for would-be kings and despots who successfully deceive and subjugate the masses.

Read more on Salon

In James Gunn’s “Superman,” the titular superhero is devastated when he learns that his birth parents sent him to Earth to subjugate humanity.

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The charade looked like something out of a Western movie — American military subjugating yet another Native American tribe.

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Related Words

• conquer 
• enslave