subjugate

[ suhb-juh-geyt ]

/ ˈsʌb dʒəˌgeɪt /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR subjugate ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), sub·ju·gat·ed, sub·ju·gat·ing.

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

to make submissive or subservient; enslave.

Nearby words

subjective symptom, subjectivism, subjectivity, subjoin, subjoinder, subjugate, subjugation, subjunction, subjunctive, subkingdom, sublanguage

Origin of subjugate

1400–50; late Middle English < Late Latin subjugātus, past participle of subjugāre to subjugate, equivalent to sub- sub- + jug(um) yoke¹ + -ātus -ate¹

SYNONYMS FOR subjugate

1, 2 overcome, vanquish, reduce, overpower.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR subjugate ON THESAURUS.COM

Related forms

sub·ju·ga·ble

[suhb-juh-guh-buhl] /ˈsʌb dʒə gə bəl/, adjectivesub·ju·ga·tion, nounsub·ju·ga·tor, nounnon·sub·ju·ga·ble, adjective

self-sub·ju·gat·ing, adjectiveun·sub·ju·gat·ed, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for subjugate

They see collusion and deception and they say Ankara is determined to subjugate them.
Impotent U.S. Airstrikes, Passive Turks and an ISIS Triumph|Jamie Dettmer|October 3, 2014|DAILY BEAST
It was not an act of genocide, but it was the largest and most enduring program devised by man to subjugate a race.
Rand Paul’s Comments on GOP Voter-ID Laws Mark a Turning Point|James Poulos|May 13, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Fashion can summon the strange, can subjugate the body and render it alien just as readily as it can highlight every curve.
Monsters of Fashion Exhibition Opens in Paris|Sarah Moroz|February 20, 2013|DAILY BEAST
The whole world is in my hand and I will conquer and subjugate the world.
Twilight of the Moonies and Scientologists?|Peter Popham|September 16, 2012|DAILY BEAST

France could not hope to subjugate Spain; England could never possibly conquer France.
1812 and the American Way of War|David Frum|June 9, 2012|DAILY BEAST
The native allies had been but tools in the hand of Cortez to subjugate the Mexicans.
Hernando Cortez|John S. C. Abbott
It was much more probable that the united forces of the river-valley should subjugate the tribes of the surrounding desert.
The History of Antiquity, Vol. I (of VI)|Max Duncker
Does it not tyrannize over and subjugate the beloved object irresistibly?
Pepita Ximenez|Juan Valera
During more than three succeeding years the Transvaal tried in vain to subjugate this tribe.
South Africa and the Boer-British War, Volume I|J. Castell Hopkins
The difficulty with the Creek Indians arising; Jackson with his characteristic energy helped to subjugate them.
Hidden Treasures|Harry A. Lewis

British Dictionary definitions for subjugate

subjugate

/ (ˈsʌbdʒʊˌɡeɪt) /

verb (tr)

to bring into subjection

to make subservient or submissive

Derived Forms

subjugable (ˈsʌbdʒəɡəbəl), adjectivesubjugation, nounsubjugator, noun

Word Origin for subjugate

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012