conquer
Definitions
To take control of a country or people by military force.
征服；攻克
To overcome a difficulty, fear, or challenge through effort.
克服；战胜
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedcon- (thoroughly) + quer (the 'quaer' root, to seek/procure) = 'to seek out completely, to win by effort.' It started meaning 'acquire through sustained effort'; the military 'defeat by force' sense hardened on top. That older sense is why you can still conquer a fear or conquer a mountain.
Root quaer still carries 8 more wordsCommon Collocations
- 1.conquer territory征服领土
- 2.conquer a fear克服恐惧
Example Sentences
- 1.
Rome conquered most of the known world within a few centuries.
- 2.
She finally conquered her fear of public speaking.
- 3.
No climber had ever conquered that treacherous peak.
Easily Confused
conquer vs defeat — To defeat is to beat someone in a single contest (defeat a team, defeat an army in battle). To conquer is broader and more lasting: you take control and keep it (conquer a country). You can defeat an enemy in one battle without conquering their land.