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

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

From 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.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

That’s still better than being subjugated to poverty and slavery for an eternity by a party whose members openly cheer the dismantling of education, social services and health care.

From Salon

As Gilbert points out, in these movies, women are complicit — the theory is that they secretly want to be spied on, desired, subjugated.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• conquer 
• enslave