conquer

verb

KONG-kur/ˈkɑŋkɚ/UKKONG-kuh/ˈkɒŋkə/

Formsconquers, conquering, conquered

4 meanings of conquer

1
verbtransitive
To beat an enemy in a fight or war and take control of them.
The small army fought bravely and managed to conquer a much larger force.
Long ago, a great king conquered every fighter who stood against him.
Similardefeat, subjugate, vanquish, subdue, overpower
Note
2
verbtransitive
To win against something difficult, like a fear or a bad habit.
Like climbing over a high wall that has been blocking your path.
She worked hard to conquer her fear of speaking in class.
He finally conquered his habit of staying up too late.
Similarovercome, beat, master, defeat, surmount
Note
3
verbtransitive
To take a country or land by war and become its ruler.
Hundreds of years ago, soldiers sailed across the sea to conquer the island.
The empire conquered many lands and ruled them for centuries.
Similarseize, capture, take, annex, occupy
Oppositelose, cede
Note

Less common meaning

4
verbdatedtransitive
To win or get something by trying very hard for it.
Through years of hard work, she hoped to conquer a good name in the city.
By saving every penny, the family conquered a small farm of their own.
Similarwin, gain, earn, obtain
Oppositelose
Note

Practice

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Origin

It comes from Old French and Latin words meaning "to seek" or "acquire."