verb

conquer

KONG-kuh

verb

To defeat and take control of a place, people, or army by force.

"The empire conquered much of the known world within a century."

To overcome a difficult challenge, feeling, or obstacle.

"It took years of therapy for him to conquer his fear of flying."

"She trained for months to conquer the mountain trail."

How to Use Conquer

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo win control over something by force, or to overcome a personal struggle.

Common pairings

conquer a fear conquer new territory divide and conquer

Word Forms

conquered past tense, conquer plural, conquered plural, conquers singular, conquer singular, conquered singular, conquerest singular, conqueredst singular, conquereth singular

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The empire _____ much of the known world within a century.

Etymology

From Old French "conquerre," from Late Latin "conquaerere," meaning "to seek out, procure" — from "con-" plus "quaerere," "to seek."

Rhymes for conquer

huer Bauer bluer lacquer rescuer exchequer Schopenhauer

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