subjugate

USAGE SUMMARY

'subjugate' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It means to bring and keep someone or something under control, usually by using force. For example: "The barbarian army subjugated the small kingdom, taking control of its resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Critics fret that it would bypass national laws and subjugate the interest of governments to those of big business.

The Guardian - Business

Using the weather as a weapon to subjugate the globe sounds like the modus operandi of a James Bond villain, but a senior climate scientist has expressed concern over the US intelligence services' apparent interest in geoengineering.

The Guardian

The harsh and paranoid rhetoric hurled from Beijing this week at Tibetans and their exiled leader, the Dalai Lama, is torn straight from the copybook that Lenin used to subjugate Turkestan.

The Economist

Many educationalists believe that as more low-caste Indians attend university, ragging is used to subjugate them although "just as often it is lower castes trying to hurt upper castes", says Mr Agarwal.

The Economist

His soldiers did not just subjugate the people they conquered.

The Economist

The lock-out was his favourite negotiating tactic and he hired Pinkertons to subjugate his workers when they resisted his incessant demands for lower wages for longer hours.

The Economist

In the following years even more families lost control of their land, as the Indonesian army divided and relocated communities in its attempt to subjugate the population.Today Amaro Silveiro dos Santos, president of the Ermera Farmers Union, a coffee co-operative, says the exploitation of people and land turned many in the area, his parents included, from independent landowners into pawns.

The Economist

But embracing the outside world did not mean that Mr Morita enjoyed it.He had to subjugate his traditional sense of decorum; he had to learn not only to speak English but also to think English; he had to learn to say yes or no when the weight of a dozen generations of family tradition pressed him to be ambivalent.

The Economist

In the German exhibition, the Nazi contribution to the debate on European unity is dismissed thus: "Hitler seeks to subjugate the European continent to the Third Reich in the name of 'New Europe'".

The Economist

Yet they are barely able to subjugate the town of Tal Afar, outside which they are based.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Can it subjugate its militias to the PA, so breaking solidarity with other factions like Palestinian Islamic Jihad, which has been in the forefront of breaches of this year's ceasefire?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "subjugate", ensure the context clearly indicates the use of force or authority to establish control. Consider alternative verbs like "dominate" or "control" if the forceful aspect is not central to your meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "subjugate" when describing situations where influence or persuasion are the primary means of control. Overusing the term can create a misleading impression of aggression or oppression.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "subjugate" is as a transitive verb. It describes the action of bringing someone or something under control, often through force or oppression. Ludwig examples demonstrate its usage in historical, political, and even fictional contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Encyclopedias

35%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "subjugate" is a transitive verb that means to bring someone or something under control, typically by force. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and commonly used. Its formality level is neutral and mostly formal/scientific and it appears frequently in News & Media and Encyclopedias. When writing with "subjugate", make sure that the context implies use of force to not mislead your readers. Remember you can use alternatives like "dominate", "control", or "conquer" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subdue

Similar to "subjugate" but can also imply calming or moderating something.

conquer

Refers to gaining control of a place or people through military force.

dominate

Emphasizes having power or influence over others.

bring under control

Focuses on achieving control without necessarily implying force or oppression.

overpower

Suggests using superior force to defeat or subdue.

bring to heel

Idiomatic expression indicating strict control or obedience.

suppress

Focuses on preventing something from developing or being expressed.

vanquish

Implies a decisive victory and complete defeat of an opponent.

enslave

Highlights the complete loss of freedom and forced servitude.

defeat

A general term for winning against someone in a contest or battle.

FAQs

How do I use "subjugate" in a sentence?

Use "subjugate" to describe the act of bringing someone or something under control by force. For example, "The invaders sought to subjugate the local population".

What can I say instead of "subjugate"?

You can use alternatives like "dominate", "control", or "conquer" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "subjugate" and "dominate"?

"Subjugate" typically implies the use of force or oppression, while "dominate" suggests having power or influence, not necessarily through force.

Is "subjugate" a formal word?

Yes, "subjugate" is a formal word that is typically used in serious or academic contexts. It is more forceful than alternatives like "control" or "manage".