unterwerfen
Translation
to subjugate, to subject, to submit
Examples
Er weigerte sich, sich dem Diktator zu unterwerfen.
He refused to submit to the dictator.
Das Land wurde einem strengen Regime unterworfen.
The country was subjected to a strict regime.
Grammar Patterns
sich ((j-m/et3)) unterwerfen to submit to (sb./sth.) He refused to submit to the dictator.
Similar Words
sich fügen (to comply), kapitulieren (to capitulate); Antonyms: sich widersetzen (to resist)
Etymology
From 'unter' (under) and 'werfen' (to throw). Literally 'to throw under', implying placing someone under one's control.
Memory Tips
Imagine throwing an opponent 'under' your feet to show you have subjugated them.