subjugate Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb put down by force or intimidation
    subdue; reduce; repress; quash; keep down.
    • The government quashes any attempt of an uprising
    • China keeps down her dissidents very efficiently
    • The rich landowners subjugated the peasants working the land
  2. verb make subservient; force to submit or subdue
    subject.

WordNet

Sub"ju*gate transitive verb
Etymology
L. subjugatus, p.p. of subjugare to subjugate; sub under + jugum a yoke. See Yoke.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Subjugated ; present participle & verbal noun Subjugating
Definitions
  1. To subdue, and bring under the yoke of power or dominion; to conquer by force, and compel to submit to the government or absolute control of another; to vanquish.
    He subjugated a king, and called him his "vassal." Baker.
    Syn. -- To conquer; subdue; overcome. See Conquer.

Webster 1913