subjugate

Everyday

1. (formal) To subjugate people or a country is to defeat them and take control so they must obey, often taking away their freedom. tree →
2. (formal) To subjugate something is to make it less important than something else, like subjugating your own wishes to the needs of the group. tree →

In the lessons

In history lessons, empires subjugated other peoples, and children learn about how colonised or enslaved peoples were treated unfairly and how many fought for freedom. In ethics talk, it describes unfair power over others. Phrases: «subjugated peoples», «subjugate a nation».

Examples

• The empire tried to subjugate its neighbours. tree →
• Many peoples were subjugated by powerful empires in the past. tree →
• The rebels refused to be subjugated. tree →
• Laws were used to subjugate the poor in that story. tree →
• Our history topic looked at how nations were subjugated and how they won freedom. tree →
• No country should subjugate another. tree →

Note

Formal, strong word, harsher than «control». Noun: «subjugation». Close words: «conquer», «subdue», «oppress».