subjugate

/ˈsʌbdʒuɡeɪt/ (bre, ipa) · [sˈʌbdʒəɡˌet] /ˈsʌbdʒuɡeɪt/ (ame, ipa) · [sˈʌbdʒəɡˌet] /ˈsəb-ji-ˌgāt How to pronounce subjugate (audio)/ (ame, mw)

subjugate — verb

  • subjugatepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • subjugateshe / she / it
  • subjugatedpast simple
  • subjugating-ing form

1. to take complete political control of a people or nation, usually by military fo

1.動詞及物C1
釋義

to take complete political control of a people or nation, usually by military force, and govern them without giving them rights or freedom

例句

The Roman Empire subjugated most of Western Europe during its centuries of expansion.

For decades, the occupying army subjugated the local people through harsh laws and secret police.

subjugate + [people] + through + [means]

同義詞
  • conquer

    focuses on winning a military victory, not necessarily on long-term rule

  • subdue

    emphasises overcoming resistance, often applied to individuals or smaller groups

  • oppress

    stresses cruel, unjust treatment of those already under control

反義詞
  • liberate

    to set free from control or imprisonment

  • free

    to release from domination or captivity

文法句型

subjugate + [people/nation/territory]

be subjugated by + [conqueror/ruler]

用法筆記

Often passive. Subject is typically a ruler, empire, or occupying force; object is a people, nation, or territory.

常見錯誤

❌The government subjugated higher taxes on everyone.
✅The government imposed higher taxes on everyone.
💡subjugate means to conquer and rule people, not to impose policies or burdens.

2. to put your own needs, wishes, or beliefs behind those of other people

2.動詞及物C1
釋義

to put your own needs, wishes, or beliefs behind those of other people

例句

Eleni subjugated her own ambitions for years so her younger siblings could finish school.

subjugate + [one's own + noun] for another's benefit

Darius subjugated his own opinions in every budget meeting, nodding along even when the projections made no sense.

同義詞
  • sacrifice

    focuses on giving something up, not necessarily on long-term self-denial

  • suppress

    emphasises actively pushing down feelings or desires

  • subordinate

    more formal; used in organisational or hierarchical contexts

反義詞
  • assert

    to state or express your own needs confidently

文法句型

subjugate + [oneself/one's own + noun]

subjugate + [noun] + to + [noun]

用法筆記

Object is usually 'yourself', 'one's own' + noun (needs, wishes, beliefs, ambitions), or a personal trait. Distinguish from sense 1: this sense has no military or political context.

常見錯誤

❌He subjugated his friend to help him.
✅He subjugated his own needs to help his friend.
💡in this sense the object must belong to the subject (yourself, your own wishes, etc.).