# subjugation

/sˌʌbdʒuːɡˈeɪʃən/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/subjugation
Updated: 2026-05-30

## Definition

the act of forcing someone to obey or control them completely. It often describes a situation where one group has total power over another.

For teachers: the act of bringing someone or something under the power and control of another; the state of being subject to another's authority. Often carries a strong connotation of oppression or forced compliance.

## Examples

- The history of the region is marked by centuries of subjugation.
- The treaty ended the war but ensured the subjugation of the smaller nation to the empire's laws.
- Scholars often examine how the subjugation of indigenous cultures led to the systematic erasure of their traditional languages and social structures over several generations.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.