Question

Choose the word that is opposite in meaning to the given word.
SUBJUGATE

a) Enrich
b) Liberate
c) Enslave
d) Free

Answer 1

Hint: The word ‘subjugate’ refers to ‘to bring under one's control by force of arms'. This word is usually used as a verb.

Complete answer:

Antonyms are words that have to contrast, or the opposite, meanings, in the same language. For example, the words ‘hot-cold’, ‘confident-diffident’, and ‘boring-interesting’ are all pairs of antonyms.

The word ‘subjugate’ can be used in a sentence in the following way:
For example, in the sentence ‘Colonisers subjugated under the pretext of trade and progress’, the word ‘subjugated’ refers to the past of annexation of colonized countries and their citizens. It denotes the unlawful imprisonment of people in their own country.

Now, we know the meaning and usage of the word ‘subjugate’. Let’s look at our available options:

a) enrich - The word ‘enrich’ refers to ‘improve or enhance the quality or value of'. This has a completely different meaning to the given word. It is not the required antonym. So, this is an incorrect option.
b) liberate - The word ‘liberate’ refers to ‘set (someone) free from imprisonment, slavery, or oppression'. This word has the exact opposite meaning to the given word. It is the required antonym. So, this is the correct option.
c) enslave - The word ‘enslave’ refers to ‘make (someone) a slave'. This word has a similar meaning to the given word. It is not the required antonym. So, this is an incorrect option.
d) free - The word ‘free’ refers to ‘able to act or be done as one wishes; not under the control of another'. This word does not have the exact opposite meaning to the given word. It is not the required antonym. So, this is an incorrect option.

Note: Try to understand the meaning of the given word and understand the meaning of each of the given options. Then, choose the option that has the exact opposite meaning of the given word. Another antonym of ‘subjugate’ could be ‘release’.