Since jugus means "yoke" in Latin, subjugate means literally "bring under the yoke". Farmers control oxen by means of a heavy wooden yoke over their shoulders. In ancient Rome, conquered soldiers, stripped of their uniforms, might actually be forced to pass under an ox yoke as a sign of submission to the Roman victors. Even without an actual yoke, what happens to a population that has come under the control of another can be every bit as humiliating. In dozens of countries throughout the world, ethnic minorities are denied basic rights and view themselves as subjugated by their country's government, army, and police.
The emperor's armies subjugated the surrounding lands.
a people subjugated by invaders
Recent Examples on the WebOnly now, Black women aren’t the only ones subjugated to this type of harassment and mistreatment.—Taylor Crumpton, TIME, 27 June 2024 In other parts of the world, many peoples have been subjugated by powerful states, repressed through violence, and denied their political rights.—Jonathan B. Petkun, Foreign Affairs, 18 June 2024 The Kremlin must understand that its goal of subjugating Kyiv is not achievable—not now, and not ever.—Eric Ciaramella, Foreign Affairs, 22 May 2024 Leading his fellow countrymen, Tell embarks on a courageous rebellion, seeking to defend their liberty and stand against the tyrannical forces that seek to subjugate them.—Leo Barraclough, Variety, 16 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for subjugate
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Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Latin subjugatus, past participle of subjugare, from sub- + jugum yoke — more at yoke
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