noun
conquest
KAHNG-kwest/ˈkɑːŋkwest/
Success in overcoming resistance and gaining control.
The open fortress gate signals the victorious troops' conquest.
Etymology
The seeking-or-gaining root, with a perhaps intensive prefix, underlies an earlier sense of acquisition. That general idea became the more forceful act of defeating an adversary or bringing territory under armed control.
In context
Thus began a war to eradicate that ancient race [music] of giants to win Britain by right of conquest.
More examples
- Their conquest of the region brings several cities under one ruler.
- The conquest of her fear takes years of patient practice.
- For him, romance is about conquest, not commitment.
Forms
Similar words
- subjugation
- Emphasizes forcing people into submission rather than achieving victory.
- victory
- Means winning a struggle without necessarily gaining control.
- domination
- Emphasizes exercising control rather than the success of gaining it.