subjugate

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to defeat a people or country and bring it under controlling rule, usually with little or no freedom

   The invading empire failed to subjugate the mountain communities.

2. 2
   verb

   to make a person, group, desire, or principle subordinate or submissive to another

   The regime tried to subjugate independent institutions to the ruling party.

From Late Middle English subjugaten and Latin subiugare, literally "to bring under the yoke," from sub- ("under") + iugum ("yoke"). The physical image of controlling draft animals developed into the political and social senses of conquest and enforced submission.

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