conquer
Pronunciation
  • (RP) IPA: /ˈkɒŋkə/
  • (GA) IPA: /ˈkɑŋkɚ/
Verb

conquer (conquers, present participle conquering; past and past participle conquered)

  1. To defeat in combat; to subjugate.
  2. To acquire by force of arms, win in war.
    In 1453, the Ottoman Empire conquered Istanbul.
    • 1593, [William Shakespeare], Venvs and Adonis, London: Imprinted by Richard Field, […], OCLC 837166078 ↗, [verse 17 ↗]; 2nd edition, London: Imprinted by Richard Field, […], 1594, OCLC 701755207 ↗, lines [97–100]:
      I haue beene wooed, as I intreat thee now, / Euen by the ſterne, and direfull God of warre, / VVhoſe sinewy#English|ſinowie necke in battel ne'er#English|nere did bow, / VVho conquers where he comes in euery jar#English|iarre; {{...}
    • 1714, Alexander Pope, Imitation of Horace, Book II. Sat. 6
      We conquer'd France, but felt our captive's charms.
  3. To overcome an abstract obstacle.
    Today I conquered my fear of flying by finally boarding a plane.
    to conquer difficulties or temptations
    • 1671, John Milton, “Book the First”, in Paradise Regain’d. A Poem. In IV Books. To which is Added, Samson Agonistes, London: Printed by J. M[acock] for John Starkey […], OCLC 228732398 ↗:
      By winning words to conquer willing hearts, / And make persuasion do the work of fear.
  4. (dated) To gain, win, or obtain by effort.
    to conquer freedom;   to conquer a peace
Translations Translations


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