verb

subjugate

SUHBD-zhuu-guht

verb

To conquer a people or country and force them into submission.

"The invading army subjugated the region within a year."

To make someone or something subordinate or dependent on another.

"He accused the company of subjugating workers' rights to profit."

How to Use Subjugate

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo force people or things completely under your control, usually by domination or conquest.

Common mistake

Subjugate is stronger and more political/historical than subdue — it implies lasting domination, not just calming someone down.

Easily confused with

subdue →

Common pairings

subjugate a nation subjugated people

Word Forms

subjugated past tense, subjugates plural, subjugated plural, subjugate plural, subjugates singular, subjugate singular, subjugated singular, subjugatest singular, subjugatedst singular, subjugateth singular

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The invading army _____ the region within a year.

Etymology

From Latin subiugō, "to make subject" — from sub- ("under") plus iugum ("a yoke"), the same root that gives us "yoke."

Rhymes for subjugate

ate date rate mate fate gate hate pate late Nate Kate cate

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