conquer

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to put down by force or authority

   We conquered the resistance with our superior numbers and equipment.

2. 2
   verb

   to overcome by conquest

   conquer your fears

3. 3
   verb

   To defeat in combat; to subjugate.

   I lay in the desert beyond all cities and sounds, and above me flowed the River of Silence through the sky; and on the desert’s edge night fought against the Sun, and suddenly conquered.

4. 4
   verb

   To acquire by force of arms, win in war; to become ruler of; to subjugate.

   In 1453, the Ottoman Empire conquered Constantinople.

5. 5
   verb

   To overcome an abstract obstacle.

   Today I conquered my fear of flying by finally boarding a plane.

6. 6
   verb

   To gain, win, or obtain by effort.

   to conquer freedom; to conquer a peace

7. 7
   verb

   to take possession of by force, as after an invasion

Etymology

From Middle English conqueren, from Old French conquerre, from Late Latin conquaerere (“to knock, strike; to search for, procure”), from Latin con- + quaerere (“to seek, acquire”). Displaced native Old English oferwinnan.