subjugate

[ suhb-juh-geyt ]

verb (used with object)

, sub·ju·gat·ed, sub·ju·gat·ing.

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

   Synonyms: overpower, reduce, vanquish, overcome

2. to make submissive or subservient; enslave.

   Synonyms: overpower, reduce, vanquish, overcome

subjugate

/ ˈsʌbdʒʊˌɡeɪt; ˈsʌbdʒəɡəbəl /

verb

1. to bring into subjection
2. to make subservient or submissive

Derived Forms

• ˌsubjuˈgation, noun
• subjugable, adjective
• ˈsubjuˌgator, noun

Other Words From

• sub·ju·ga·ble [suhb, -j, uh, -g, uh, -b, uh, l], adjective
• subju·gation noun
• subju·gator noun
• non·subju·ga·ble adjective
• self-subju·gating adjective
• un·subju·gated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of subjugate¹

1400–50; late Middle English < Late Latin subjugātus, past participle of subjugāre to subjugate, equivalent to sub- sub- + jug ( um ) yoke ¹ + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of subjugate¹

C15: from Late Latin subjugāre to subdue, from Latin sub- + jugum yoke

Example Sentences

Online men fetishize subjugating women and making them like it through their “trad wife” fantasies, while Trump-world heroes like Twitter CEO Elon Musk joke about impregnating liberal women like pop star Taylor Swift.

From Salon

Once in power, they destroy or subjugate the institutions that could check them, allowing them to govern as they please.

From Los Angeles Times

“I see my work as using health technologies that could preserve access to health for all people who have been subjugated to evil. That includes, at its most extreme, genocide,” Tabussam said.

From Los Angeles Times

He said the new charter must specify North Korea would annex and subjugate the South if another war broke out.

From Seattle Times

They are both designed specifically to subjugate women to male authority.

From Salon

Related Words

• conquer
• enslave