subjugate
SUB-juh-gayt
/ˈsʌb.dʒʊ.ɡeɪt/
To bring a person or group under dominant control, especially by conquest or force.
Subjugate implies an active, aggressive, and often physical process of conquering and stripping away the freedom of another group.
The story behind the word. In ancient Rome, when an enemy army surrendered, they were subjected to a humiliating ritual. The Roman soldiers would drive three spears into the ground to form a miniature archway called a 'jugum' (yoke). The defeated soldiers were forced to march naked 'sub jugum' (under the yoke) to symbolize their complete submission and loss of freedom.
Word relationships
- subdue: Subdue means to quiet down or bring a temporary end to resistance, while subjugate means to establish permanent, systematic control over someone.
- enslave: Enslave is the literal legal ownership of a person, whereas subjugate can refer to broader political, economic, or physical domination.
- liberate: To liberate is to set someone free from imprisonment, slavery, or oppressive control.
- emancipate: To emancipate is to legally free someone from the control of another.
Commonly confused with
- oppress: Oppress is to treat a group cruelly over a long period, while subjugate is the initial act of conquering and forcing them into submission.
Word family
- subjugation (noun): The action of bringing someone or something under domination or control.
Collocations
- subjugate a nation
- completely subjugate
- subjugate the population
- attempt to subjugate
Idioms & expressions
- bring to heel
- under one's thumb
Example sentences
- "The invading empire sought to subjugate the indigenous tribes and exploit their rich gold reserves." Imperial history
- "The dictator used secret police and propaganda to subjugate the minds of the populace." Psychological control
Memory hook
Think of a 'sub' (submarine/under) being forced to carry a heavy 'jug' of water on its back. It is completely weighed down and controlled. Sub-jug-ate: to force someone under the yoke of control.
When not to use
Do not use to describe mild persuasion, polite requests, or standard workplace supervision.
Fun facts
- The Latin root 'jugum' (yoke) is also the ancestor of the English word 'conjugal' (relating to marriage), which literally means 'joined by a yoke'!
Related words
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.