Subjugate - Definitions from Dictionary.com

4 results for: Subjugate

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This

sub·ju·gate

Audio Help [suhb-juh-geyt] Pronunciation Key

–verb (used with object), -gat·ed, -gat·ing.

1.	to bring under complete control or subjection; conquer; master.

2.	to make submissive or subservient; enslave.

[Origin: 1400–50; late ME < LL subjugātus, ptp. of subjugāre to subjugate, equiv. to sub- sub- + jug(um) yoke¹ + -ātus -ate¹

]

—Related forms

sub·ju·ga·ble

Audio Help [suhb-juh-guh-buh

l] Pronunciation Key, adjective

sub·ju·ga·tion, noun

sub·ju·ga·tor, noun

—Synonyms 1, 2. overcome, vanquish, reduce, overpower.

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
Subjugate

To learn more about Subjugate visit Britannica.com

American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

sub·ju·gate Audio Help (sŭb'jə-gāt') Pronunciation Key
tr.v. sub·ju·gat·ed, sub·ju·gat·ing, sub·ju·gates

To bring under control; conquer. See Synonyms at defeat.
To make subservient; enslave.

[Middle English subjugaten, from Latin subiugāre, subiugāt- : sub-, sub- + iugum, yoke; see yeug- in Indo-European roots.]

sub'ju·ga'tion n., sub'ju·ga'tor n.

(Download Now or Buy the Book)

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

WordNet - Cite This Source - Share This

subjugate
verb
1.	put down by force or intimidation; "The government quashes any attempt of an uprising"; "China keeps down her dissidents very efficiently"; "The rich landowners subjugated the peasants working the land" [syn: repress]
2.	make subservient; force to submit or subdue

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

Subjugate

Con"quer\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Conquered; p. pr. & vb. n. Conquering.] [OF. conquerre, F. conqu['e]rir, fr. L. conquirere, -quisitum, to seek or search for, to bring together, LL., to conquer; con- + quaerere to seek. See Quest.]

1. To gain or acquire by force; to take possession of by violent means; to gain dominion over; to subdue by physical means; to reduce; to overcome by force of arms; to cause to yield; to vanquish. "If thou conquer Rome." --Shak.

If we be conquer'd, let men conquer us. --Shak.

We conquered France, but felt our captive's charms. --Pope.

2. To subdue or overcome by mental or moral power; to surmount; as, to conquer difficulties, temptation, etc.

By winning words to conquer hearts, And make persuasion do the work of fear. --Milton.

3. To gain or obtain, overcoming obstacles in the way; to win; as, to conquer freedom; to conquer a peace.

Syn: To subdue; vanquish; overcome; overpower; overthrow; defeat; rout; discomfit; subjugate; reduce; humble; crush; surmount; subject; master.

Usage: To Conquer, Vanquish, Subdue, Subjugate, Overcome. These words agree in the general idea expressed by overcome, -- that of bringing under one's power by the exertion of force. Conquer is wider and more general than vanquish, denoting usually a succession of conflicts. Vanquish is more individual, and refers usually to a single conflict. Thus, Alexander conquered Asia in a succession of battles, and vanquished Darius in one decisive engagement. Subdue implies a more gradual and continual pressure, but a surer and more final subjection. We speak of a nation as subdued when its spirit is at last broken, so that no further resistance is offered. Subjugate is to bring completely under the yoke of bondage. The ancient Gauls were never finally subdued by the Romans until they were completely subjugated. These words, when used figuratively, have correspondent meanings. We conquer our prejudices or aversions by a succesion of conflicts; but we sometimes vanquish our reluctance to duty by one decided effort: we endeavor to subdue our evil propensities by watchful and persevering exertions. Subjugate is more commonly taken in its primary meaning, and when used figuratively has generally a bad sense; as, his reason was completely subjugated to the sway of his passions.

Browse Nearby Entries: