ENGLISH
REFERENCE

conquer

v.
C1 Advanced Oxford US //ˈkɑŋkɝ// UK //kˈɒnkɐ// con·quer Archaic

v. to take control of a place or a group of people by using force. It can also mean to successfully deal with a difficult problem or a strong feeling.

v. to gain control of a territory or people through military force; by extension, to overcome a psychological or physical obstacle through significant effort.


SIMPLE

The army moved quickly to conquer the neighboring city.

CONTEXTUAL

She finally managed to conquer her fear of heights by taking a flight in a small plane.

COMPLEX

Historians often debate whether the empire's collapse was due to internal decay or the inability to conquer and integrate the nomadic tribes on its borders.

Synonyms
Origin

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.

Usage

The verb is transitive and requires a direct object.

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