Definition
To subjugate someone is to bring them under control or domination, often through force or oppression.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Verb
Synonyms
Dominate, conquer, overpower, enslave, suppress, subject
Antonyms
Liberate, emancipate, empower, free, release
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | subjugations, subjugator, subjugation, subjugators |
| Verb | subjugate, subjugated, subjugating, subjugates |
| Adjective | None |
| Adverb | None |
Example Sentences
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The colonizers sought to subjugate the native people and exploit their resources.
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The authoritarian government used its power to subjugate its citizens and silence dissent.
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The abusive partner sought to subjugate their significant other through physical and emotional manipulation.
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The oppressive regime sought to subjugate all opposition and maintain its hold on power.
Usage
The word “subjugate” is often used to describe the act of bringing someone or something under control or domination, often through the use of force, oppression, or manipulation. This type of behavior is generally seen as negative and harmful, as it can lead to feelings of powerlessness, helplessness, and resentment.
The word “subjugate” is commonly used in contexts such as politics, history, and personal relationships. For example, a powerful government may seek to subjugate its citizens and maintain its hold on power, a colonizing force may seek to subjugate the indigenous population and exploit their resources, or an abusive partner may seek to subjugate their significant other through physical and emotional manipulation.
The root of the word “subjugate” is “jugum”, which means “yoke” or “harness”. The word “sub” is used here in the sense of “under” or “beneath”, suggesting that the act of subjugation involves bringing someone or something under control or domination.
There are a few variations of the word “subjugate” that can be used to modify its meaning or tone. For example, the prefix “re-” can be added to create the word “re-subjugate”, which implies the act of bringing someone or something back under control or domination after they have been liberated or freed. Similarly, the suffix “-ion” can be added to create the word “subjugation”, which refers to the act or process of subjugating someone or something.
In conclusion, the word “subjugate” is often used to describe the act of bringing someone or something under control or domination, often through the use of force, oppression, or manipulation. Its root, “jugum”, refers to a yoke or harness, and its variations provide a way to modify its meaning or tone. This type of behavior is generally seen as negative and harmful, as it can lead to feelings of powerlessness, helplessness, and resentment.