subjugate
SUB-juh-geyt
/ˈsʌbdʒʊɡeɪt/
Bring under domination or control, especially by conquest.
Implies a complete, forceful crushing of independence, forcing the victim into a subordinate position of servitude.
The story behind the word. From the Latin subjugatus, past participle of subjugare, which literally means 'to bring under a yoke' (sub = under, jugum = yoke). In ancient Rome, defeated enemies were forced to march under a symbolic yoke made of spears to signify their submission.
Word relationships
- vanquish: Vanquish means to defeat thoroughly in a battle, whereas subjugate goes further, implying not just a single defeat but the subsequent long-term political or physical enslavement of the defeated.
- liberate: Liberate is to set free from control or oppression, the exact opposite of subjugating them.
Commonly confused with
- subject (verb): To subject someone to something means to make them undergo an experience (often unpleasant, e.g., 'subjected to tests'), while subjugate means to bring them under complete political or physical control.
Word family
- subjugation (noun): The act of bringing someone under complete control.
Collocations
- subjugate a nation
- subjugate the population
- completely subjugated
Example sentences
- "To subjugate a people, you must first destroy their history." History
- "The invaders sought to subjugate the native population." Military History
Memory hook
SUB (under) + JUG (yoke) = Forcing someone under a heavy yoke like a beast of burden. Forcing a defeated enemy under the yoke.
When not to use
Do not use for mild persuasion or friendly agreements.
Fun facts
- The Roman ritual of passing under the yoke (sub jugum) was the ultimate military humiliation, designed to strip defeated soldiers of their honor and pride.
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