English vocabulary · C1
Subjugate
/ˈsʌb.dʒə.ɡeɪt/ · v.
To subjugate people is to force them under your control. They lose freedom, must obey, and cannot choose for themselves.
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Example sentences
- The empire subjugated its neighbors.
- Fear can subjugate your will.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- sub — under (from Latin)
- jug — yoke (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- CONQUER — take control by force (Win And Control)
- DOMINATE — have full control (Control Everything)
- SUBDUE — end their fight (Make Someone Obey)
Similar words
- conquer
- dominate
- subdue
- enslave
- suppress
Lesson notes
To subjugate people is to force them under your control. They lose freedom, must obey, and cannot choose for themselves.
Related: conquer, dominate, subdue. Use subjugate when force takes all freedom.
The empire subjugated its neighbors. Fear can subjugate your will.
From Latin. Sub- means under. Jug- means yoke. Under a yoke, freedom ends. That is to subjugate.