subjugate

[ suhb-juh-geyt ]

verb (used with object)

subjugated, subjugating.

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 Word Forms

• 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

But Roberts continually gave Betts both the public and private support he needed to subjugate his ego for the good of the team.

From Los Angeles Times

The saying “history repeats itself” is particularly fitting in our current moment, because the reality is Trump’s war on DEI is reminiscent of Jim Crow era efforts to subjugate Black people.

From Salon

In Malofeev’s subjugating hands, Janácek’s vaporously evocative “In the Mists” became “In the Thick, Disorienting and Blinding Fog” and led, without a pause, into Liszt’s doomed and drummed “Funérailles,” creating an extraordinary sonic vista.

From Los Angeles Times

For Kyiv, it's the only way to guarantee the country's future survival, against a rapacious Russian enemy bent on subjugating Ukraine.

From BBC

"I'm familiar with the verses they have quoted about wives being subjugated to their husbands," he told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution in 2000.

From Salon

Related Words

• conquer
• enslave