subjugation

/ˌsʌbdʒuˈɡeɪʃn/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌsʌbdʒuˈɡeɪʃn/ (ame, ipa)

subjugation — noun

1. using military force or other forms of power to defeat a country, group, or pers

1.名詞C1
釋義

using military force or other forms of power to defeat a country, group, or person and then rule them without giving them any freedom

例句

The subjugation of the valley by the warlord took nearly a decade of brutal fighting.

collocation: subjugation of [place] by [power]

Historians still debate whether the empire's subjugation of small nations came from greed or fear.

collocation: subjugation of [group] (possessive before headword)

同義詞
  • conquest

    focuses on the act of winning by force, not on the ongoing rule afterward

  • domination

    broader — can be achieved through power or influence, not only military force

  • oppression

    emphasises cruel or unjust treatment, not just control

反義詞
  • liberation

    the act of setting free from control or oppression

  • independence

    a state of being free from outside rule

文法句型

subjugation of [country/people] by [person/force]

用法筆記

Subject is typically a military force, empire, or powerful group. Frequently appears in historical and political writing. Not used in everyday conversation.

常見錯誤

❌The subjugation of the team by the manager was obvious.
✅The manager's domination of the team was obvious.
💡'subjugation' of a small group by one person sounds unnatural; use 'domination' or 'control' for non-military contexts.

2. the unfair treatment of someone by persistently putting their wishes, feelings,

2.名詞C1
釋義

the unfair treatment of someone by persistently putting their wishes, feelings, or opinions below those of others

例句

Heloísa resented the constant subjugation of her opinions in team meetings at the office.

collocation: subjugation of [one's] opinions

The company culture encouraged the subjugation of workers' needs to the demands of profit targets.

同義詞
  • suppression

    implies active silencing or stopping, while subjugation suggests a broader pattern of being kept in a lower position

  • marginalisation

    focuses on being pushed to the edge of a group or society

  • diminishment

    emphasises being made to seem smaller or less important

反義詞
  • empowerment

    giving someone the power and confidence to express their wishes

  • validation

    recognising someone's feelings and opinions as important

文法句型

subjugation of [someone's] [wishes/opinions/needs]

用法筆記

Unlike sense 1 (military conquest), this sense describes social or psychological patterns. Object is typically an abstract noun (opinions, needs, values, dreams) rather than a group or country. Common in discussions of workplace culture, gender roles, and family dynamics.

常見錯誤

❌She felt subjugation when her boss yelled at her.
✅She felt that her opinions were being subjugated when her boss ignored her suggestions.
💡'subjugation' is a long-term pattern of being treated as less important, not a single event.