Subjugation & Resistance Vocabulary

to bring under domination or control; conquer

“The empire sought to subjugate neighboring tribes.”

Origin: Latin subiugare, from sub `under` + iugum `yoke`

to keep in subservience and hardship

“The regime oppressed minorities for decades.”

Origin: Latin oppressare, from ob `against` + premere `to press`

cruel and oppressive government or rule

“The people rose up against the tyranny of the dictator.”

Origin: Greek tyrannia `rule of a tyrant`, from tyrannos `absolute ruler`

the exercise of absolute power, especially cruelly

“His despotism alienated even his closest advisors.”

Origin: Greek despotēs `master, lord`, from des- `house` + -potēs `master`

the action of subjugating or state of being subjugated

“Years of subjection had broken their spirit.”

Origin: Latin subiectio, from sub `under` + iacere `to throw`

the state of being a slave or completely subject to another

“They escaped a life of servitude to seek freedom.”

Origin: Latin servitudo `slavery`, from servus `slave`

to set free from legal, social, or political restrictions

“Lincoln emancipated millions of enslaved people.”

Origin: Latin emancipare, from ex- `out` + mancipare `transfer ownership`, from manus `hand` + capere `take`

to give the right to vote; to set free

“The amendment enfranchised women across the nation.”

Origin: Old French enfranchir, from en- `in` + franc `free`

a violent uprising against an authority

“The insurrection threatened to topple the government.”

Origin: Latin insurrectio, from insurgere `rise up`, from in- `into` + surgere `to rise`

conduct or speech inciting people to rebel against authority

“He was charged with sedition for his inflammatory writings.”

Origin: Latin seditio `discord, mutiny`, from sed- `apart` + itio `going`

to undermine the power and authority of an established system

“Foreign agents sought to subvert the democratic process.”

Origin: Latin subvertere `overturn`, from sub `from below` + vertere `to turn`

to take a position of power illegally or by force

“The general usurped the throne through a military coup.”

Origin: Latin usurpare `seize for use`, from usu `by use` + rapere `to seize`