subjugate
SUB-juh-gayt
/ˈsʌb.dʒə.ɡeɪt/
Bring under domination or control, especially by conquest.
Implies complete psychological and political enslavement or domination of a population.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'subjugare', literally 'to bring under the yoke'. In ancient Roman military practice, defeated enemy soldiers were forced to pass beneath a frame of spears (a wooden yoke) as a symbol of total submission.
Word relationships
- subdue: Subdue means bringing under control by quiet force or persuasion; subjugate implies forceful conquest and ongoing bondage.
- vanquish: Vanquish means defeating thoroughly in battle.
- emancipate: To set free from legal, social, or political restrictions.
Commonly confused with
- subject: To 'subject' someone means to expose them to something; to 'subjugate' means to force them into total servitude.
Word family
- subjugation (noun): The act of bringing under control or governance.
Collocations
- subjugate a population
- subjugate minority groups
- fully subjugate
Example sentences
- "The invading empire sought to subjugate the local tribes and dismantle their traditional governing structures." Historical Narrative
Memory hook
SUB (under) + JUG (yoke) = place under the wooden yoke. Force under the yoke.
When not to use
Avoid for minor political disagreements or casual management tasks.
Fun facts
- The literal 'passing under the yoke' (sub jugum missio) was considered the ultimate humiliation for defeated Roman enemies or conquered forces.
Related words
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