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
Composed of 'unter' (under) and 'werfen' (to throw). The literal meaning is 'to throw under', which extends to bringing someone under control.
Memory Tips
Picture a conqueror 'throwing' a captured flag 'under' their boot to symbolize subjugation.