subjugating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "subjugating" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of bringing someone or something under control or domination, often in a context of oppression or conquest. Example: "The regime was known for subjugating its citizens, stripping them of their rights and freedoms."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He has hollowed out Venezuela's democracy, subjugating the courts, bullying the media and intimidating opponents.

The Economist

Had Israel handed the Golan Heights back to Syria, it might now find itself facing fighters from Hizbullah, al-Qaeda or Islamic State on the Sea of Galilee.However, without a Palestinian state, Israel will either endanger its Jewish majority or lose its moral standing by subjugating and disenfranchising the Palestinian population.

The Economist

These soldiers of fortune, with experience drawn from subjugating the black majority, were an embarrassing export for the post-apartheid rulers of South Africa.

The Economist

An economy open to free movement of capital can keep a fixed exchange rate, for example, only by subjugating monetary-policy goals to its defence by raising interest rates sharply, say, when capital outflows put downward pressure on the currency.

The Economist

He bequeathed to his brother Ismāʿil the problems of subjugating the hostile Imazighen of the Atlas Mountains and wresting control of vital seaports from European powers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The new sultanate extended its authority southward by sacking the remains of Pajajaran in 1579 and northwestward by subjugating parts of southern Sumatra by the turn of the 17th century.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Gallieni then undertook the difficult task of subjugating the independent peoples.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Scots were routed at Solway Moss (1542), and their king died soon after: this opened the possibility of subjugating that country permanently by means of a marriage alliance between the infant heirs to the two thrones.

Encyclopedia Britannica

By subjugating all of Islamic Spain, the Almohads were effectively able to halt any further Christian advance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In response, Aurelian undertook a second campaign, plundering Palmyra and subjugating Alexandria.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Under his successor, ʿAbd al-Muʾmin, the Almohads brought down the Almoravid state in 1147, subjugating the Maghrib, and captured Marrakech, which became the Almohad capital.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "subjugating" when you want to convey a sense of forceful control and often, oppression. It's stronger than "controlling" and implies a deliberate act of bringing someone or something under one's power.

Common error

Avoid using "subjugating" when a milder term like "managing" or "overseeing" would be more appropriate. "Subjugating" carries a strong negative connotation, so reserve it for situations where that sense of oppression is intended.

Linguistic Context

The term "subjugating" functions primarily as a verb in its present participle form, often used to describe an ongoing action of bringing someone or something under control by force or coercion. As Ludwig AI states, it's used when something or someone is being controlled and dominated.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

42%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "subjugating" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb form, primarily functioning to describe the act of forcefully bringing someone or something under control. As Ludwig AI confirms, the term carries a strong connotation of oppression and is most commonly found in news, encyclopedic, and scientific contexts. While effective in conveying forceful control, it should be used judiciously, avoiding overuse in contexts where milder terms would suffice. Remember to consider the negative implications of "subjugating" and to select this term only when the intended message involves oppression or a significant power imbalance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conquering

Emphasizes military victory and territorial control.

oppressing

Highlights the unjust and cruel exercise of power.

dominating

Focuses on having power and influence over others.

subduing

Suggests a forceful suppression of resistance.

overpowering

Implies overcoming someone's strength or resistance.

controlling

Stresses the ability to dictate and manage actions.

enslaving

Indicates complete control and ownership over someone.

vanquishing

Focuses on decisively defeating an opponent.

repressing

Highlights the act of suppressing or holding back something, like a feeling or rebellion.

bringing under control

A more descriptive phrase that lacks the intensity of "subjugating".

FAQs

How is "subjugating" used in a sentence?

The word "subjugating" is the present participle of the verb "subjugate", meaning to bring under control or domination. For example: "The empire was known for "subjugating" its conquered peoples."

What are some synonyms for "subjugating"?

Alternatives to "subjugating" include "conquering", "oppressing", "dominating", or "subduing". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "subjugating" in writing?

"Subjugating" is most appropriate when describing situations where power is being exercised forcefully and often unjustly, leading to a loss of freedom or autonomy for those being "subjugating".

What is the difference between "subjugating" and "controlling"?

While both terms imply influence over someone or something, "subjugating" suggests a more forceful and oppressive control, often involving the suppression of rights or freedoms. "Controlling" can be more neutral, simply indicating the ability to manage or direct.