Con"quer (?), v. t. [imp. &
p. p. Conquered (?); p. pr. & vb.
n. Conquering.] [OF. conquerre, F.
conquérir, fr. L. conquirere, -
quisitum, to seek or search for, to bring together, LL., to
conquer; con- + quaerere to seek. See
Quest.] 1. To gain or acquire by
force; to take possession of by violent means; to gain dominion
over; to subdue by physical means; to reduce; to overcome by
force of arms; to cause to yield; to vanquish. "If thou
conquer Rome." Shak.
If we be conquer'd, let men conquer
us.
Shak.
We conquered France, but felt our captive's
charms.
Pope.
2. To subdue or overcome by mental or
moral power; to surmount; as, to conquer difficulties,
temptation, etc.
By winning words to conquer hearts,
And make persuasion do the work of fear.
Milton.
3. To gain or obtain, overcoming
obstacles in the way; to win; as, to conquer freedom; to
conquer a peace.
Syn. -- To subdue; vanquish; overcome; overpower;
overthrow; defeat; rout; discomfit; subjugate; reduce; humble;
crush; surmount; subject; master. -- To Conquer,
Vanquish, Subdue, Subjugate,
Overcome. These words agree in the general idea expressed
by overcome, -- that of bringing under one's power by the
exertion of force. Conquer is wider and more general than
vanquish, denoting usually a succession of conflicts.
Vanquish is more individual, and refers usually to a
single conflict. Thus, Alexander conquered Asia in a
succession of battles, and vanquished Darius in one
decisive engagement. Subdue implies a more gradual and
continual pressure, but a surer and more final subjection. We
speak of a nation as subdued when its spirit is at last
broken, so that no further resistance is offered.
Subjugate is to bring completely under the yoke of
bondage. The ancient Gauls were never finally subdued by
the Romans until they were completely subjugated. These
words, when used figuratively, have correspondent meanings. We
conquer our prejudices or aversions by a succesion of
conflicts; but we sometimes vanquish our reluctance to
duty by one decided effort: we endeavor to subdue our evil
propensities by watchful and persevering exertions.
Subjugate is more commonly taken in its primary meaning,
and when used figuratively has generally a bad sense; as, his
reason was completely subjugated to the sway of his
passions.
Con"quer (?), v. i. To gain
the victory; to overcome; to prevail.
He went forth conquering and to
conquer.
Rev. vi. 2.
The champions resolved to conquer or to
die.
Waller.
