Word
subjugated
Phoneticssub·ju·gat·ed, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈsəbdʒəˌɡeɪtɪd/
UK/sˈʌbdʒuːɡˌeɪtɪd/
Definition
adj. describing a person or group that has been brought under the complete control of another, usually by force. It means they have lost their freedom and must obey a new ruler.
adj. brought under complete control or made subservient, typically through military conquest or systematic oppression. Often functions as a participial adjective describing the status of a population or territory.
Examples
“The subjugated people eventually rose up against the cruel king.”
“Historians often study how the subjugated tribes managed to preserve their unique cultural traditions despite centuries of foreign rule.”
“The treaty was designed to keep the neighboring states permanently subjugated, stripping them of their standing armies and placing their natural resources under imperial administration.”
Examples
simple
“The subjugated people eventually rose up against the cruel king.”
contextual
“Historians often study how the subjugated tribes managed to preserve their unique cultural traditions despite centuries of foreign rule.”
complex
“The treaty was designed to keep the neighboring states permanently subjugated, stripping them of their standing armies and placing their natural resources under imperial administration.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “subjugated” in context.
Verb
01. keep subjugated
“The dictator used a secret police force to keep the citizens subjugated.”
verb + adj
02. remain subjugated
“The indigenous population was forced to remain subjugated under the new regime.”
verb + adj
03. subjugated struggle
“The subjugated people struggle to maintain their cultural identity.”
adj + verb
Adjective
04. economically subjugated
“The colony remained economically subjugated, forced to export all its raw materials.”
adv + adj
05. utterly subjugated
“The once-proud nation was left utterly subjugated after years of brutal warfare.”
adv + adj
Noun
06. subjugated nation
“The treaty imposed harsh conditions on the subjugated nation.”
adj + noun
07. subjugated people
“The rights of the subjugated people were systematically stripped away.”
adj + noun
08. keep a population subjugated
“Propaganda was used as a tool to keep the entire population subjugated.”
09. liberate the subjugated masses
“The revolutionary leader promised to liberate the subjugated masses from tyranny.”
Usage
Often used as a participial adjective; typically appears before the noun it modifies or after a linking verb like 'remain' or 'stay'.
Real-World Examples
“The moves are the latest sign that the G.O.P. has subjugated its entire legislative agenda, months before midterm elections in which its congressional majorities are in peril, to the president’s obsession with cracking down on election fraud that he claims, despite evidence to the contrary, is rampant.” Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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