subjugation

What does “subjugation” mean?

noun.the action of bringing someone or something under domination or control.

SAT Usage

this term often appears in passages related to history, social justice, or political oppression. It emphasizes a forceful domination that strips individuals or groups of their autonomy, distinguishing it from similar words like "control," which may not carry the same connotation of coercion or loss of freedom.

Common Confusions

Subjugation implies a forceful domination that strips away autonomy, while control usually suggests a more neutral or voluntary influence over someone or something.

Example Sentences

• The report examined the historical subjugation of workers under colonial rule.

Word Parts: How to Remember “subjugation”

Break “subjugation” into its parts: sub- (under, below). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.

• Prefix: sub- under, below (Latin)