Meaning & use

conquer

verb·Academic

To defeat and take control of a place, people, or opponent, especially by military force; or to overcome a difficulty.

See it in a sentence

The empire conquered several neighboring kingdoms over the course of a century.

With months of practice, she finally conquered her fear of public speaking.

A note on using this word

Conquer works both literally, for military victory, and figuratively, for overcoming a personal obstacle or challenge.

Words with a similar meaning

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Words with an opposite meaning

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