When you subjugate someone, you bring them under your complete control, usually through force or intimidation. The word carries a heavy weight: it describes conquering and dominating people so thoroughly that they lose their freedom and must obey.

At various times in history, powerful armies have subjugated populations, forcing them to live under new rulers and follow new laws. A dictator might subjugate citizens through fear and punishment. In ancient empires, conquered peoples were often subjugated and forced to pay money to their conquerors.