subjugation

[suhb-juh-gey-shuhn]

noun

1. the act, fact, or process of subjugating, or bringing under control; enslavement.

   The subjugation of the American Indians happened across the country.

Other Word Forms

• nonsubjugation noun
• self-subjugation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of subjugation¹

First recorded in 1425–75; from Late Latin subjugation-, stem of subjugatio, equivalent to subjugat(us), past participle of subjugare “to make subject” + -io -ion ( def. ); subjugate ( def. )

Example Sentences

She allowed none of that here, tapping into the desperation of a woman whose self-worth is wrapped up in the subjugation of those around her.

From Los Angeles Times

In fact, fascists in Europe, as you say, look to the Jim Crow laws of the South and the subjugation of Western Indian nations to inspire them and their race laws.

From Salon

"It must be a policy of the United States," President Harry Truman announced, "to support free peoples who are resisting attempted subjugation by armed minorities or by outside pressure."

From BBC

The skill with which Friedan connects the dots between the subjugation of intelligent, educated women and the ruthless, calculated mind-numbing agenda of consumerism turns out to be her deftest move.

From Salon

In America, we're in a moment where religion is again being used as a pretext for subjugation and discrimination.

From Salon

Related Words

• beating 
• blow 
• breakdown 
• collapse 
• debacle 
• destruction 
• drubbing 
• embarrassment 
• failure 
• killing 
• loss 
• massacre 
• rout 
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• thrashing 
• triumph