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DictionaryconquerTaking control by force
verb

conquer

KAHNG-ker/ˈkɑːŋkər/

To overcome resistance and gain mastery.

The commander conquers the fortress and accepts its keys in surrender.

A commander accepts surrendered fortress keys after a struggle, no injury.
Etymology
conLatinperhaps adds emphasis
+querLatinto seek, gain

The root means seeking or gaining, with a prefix that may intensify it. The combined sense of procuring something by effort developed into winning against an adversary and taking territory by force.

In context

CrashCourse5:58
people flee to the hills because it makes it hard for states to find and conquer them. The Arab historian, Ibn Khaldun remarked that Arabs can gain control over flat territory
Rethinking Civilization - Crash Course World History 201

More examples

  • The invading army conquered the region within a year.
  • She conquers her fear of heights by practicing on a climbing wall.
  • Conquering this difficult piano piece takes patience and practice.

Forms

conquer · conquers · conquered · conquering

conqueror noun — A person who conquers others.

conquest noun — The act of conquering or subduing.

Similar words

overcome
Emphasizes getting past obstacles rather than taking control.
subdue
Emphasizes bringing resistance under control, often through force.
defeat
Emphasizes winning against an opponent, not necessarily gaining control.