to subjugate / submit
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to subjugate
To bring someone or a people under one's rule by force and compel them to submit.
Das Imperium versuchte, alle umliegenden Königreiche zu unterwerfen.
The empire tried to subjugate all the surrounding kingdoms.
'Unterwerfen' (to subjugate / submit) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'unter-' remains firmly attached to the verb in all tenses and sentence types. The past participle is 'unterworfen' (subjugated / submitted).
Er hat sich den Regeln widerspruchslos unterworfen.
He submitted to the rules without objection.
The reflexive form 'sich unterwerfen' (to submit) is used with a dative object. One submits oneself (accusative) to something (dative).
Der Patient musste sich einer komplizierten Operation unterwerfen.
The patient had to undergo a complicated operation.
When the verb is not reflexive, it is usually about power and violence, as in history. The reflexive form 'sich unterwerfen' (to submit) is often used in formal or bureaucratic contexts for rules and procedures.
Die Armee unterwarf die aufständische Stadt.
The army subjugated the rebellious city.
In the reflexive meaning, the verb is often combined with formal processes. Typical phrases are: 'sich einer Prüfung unterwerfen' (to submit to an examination), 'sich einer Kontrolle unterwerfen' (to submit to an inspection), 'sich einer Behandlung unterwerfen' (to undergo treatment), or 'sich einem Verfahren unterwerfen' (to submit to a procedure).
Alle neuen Mitarbeiter werden einem Sicherheitstraining unterworfen.
All new employees are subjected to safety training.
to free
'befreien' and 'unterwerfen' are clear opposites when it comes to power and freedom. 'befreien' means that someone is released from captivity, coercion, or a restriction. 'unterwerfen', on the other hand, means that someone is brought under the rule of another person or group by force or pressure. So 'befreien' fits when freedom is created. 'unterwerfen' fits when freedom is taken away.
Der König wollte das Nachbarvolk mit Gewalt unterwerfen.
The king wanted to subjugate the neighboring people by force.
Die Helfer konnten den verletzten Fahrer aus dem Auto befreien.
The helpers were able to free the injured driver from the car.