subjugate

Where does the word "subjugate" come from? It comes from Latin sub iugum, passing through Latin before entering English (1400s).

Subjugate’s story begins in Latin: sub iugum meant “under the yoke.” Under the yoke, from sub- (under) and iugum (yoke, related to iungere, to join). Within Latin, it grew into subiugare by ancient. To bring under the yoke, to conquer, from sub- and iugum. It reached English by 1400s as subjugate. Settled as the English word for bringing someone under domination or control. Today, subjugate means to bring a person or group under domination or control by force.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient sub iugum "under the yoke", under the yoke, from sub- (under) and iugum (yoke, related to iungere, to join).
2. Stage 2 · Latin · ancient subiugare "to bring under the yoke, to conquer", to bring under the yoke, to conquer, from sub- and iugum.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1400s subjugate "to bring someone under domination or control", settled as the English word for bringing someone under domination or control.