conquer
B2Formal, Literary, but also used in general contexts.
Definition
Meaning
To successfully overcome or defeat an enemy, opponent, or difficulty through force, effort, or skill.
To gain mastery over something challenging (e.g., a fear, a skill), to overcome an obstacle, or to successfully reach the summit of a mountain. In a figurative sense, to win the affection or admiration of someone.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a significant and decisive victory or achievement over something formidable. It carries connotations of effort, struggle, and finality.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. In historical/military contexts, 'conquer' is more common in UK English for imperial history (e.g., 'the Normans conquered England'). In US English, figurative use (e.g., 'conquer your fears') might be slightly more frequent in self-help/popular psychology contexts.
Connotations
Both share strong connotations of victory and overcoming. In British English, it can evoke stronger historical/imperial associations.
Frequency
Comparably frequent in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
conquer [OBJECT]conquer [OBJECT] by [MEANS]conquer [OBJECT] for [REASON/PERSON]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Divide and conquer”
- “To conquer new worlds”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used metaphorically: 'The company aims to conquer new markets in Asia.'
Academic
Used in history, political science, and psychology: 'The study examines how colonial powers sought to conquer indigenous populations.'
Everyday
Common in self-improvement and sports contexts: 'She's working hard to conquer her shyness.' / 'The team conquered their rivals in the final.'
Technical
Rare in pure technical fields; may appear in medical contexts: 'Researchers strive to conquer this form of cancer.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- William the Conqueror invaded England in 1066.
- She hopes to conquer her fear of public speaking.
- The team conquered all before them this season.
American English
- The pioneers set out to conquer the West.
- He's determined to conquer his addiction.
- They conquered Mount Everest last spring.
adverb
British English
- He looked conqueringly at the challenge ahead. (Rare/Literary)
- The empire expanded conqueringly. (Rare/Literary)
American English
- She smiled conqueringly after solving the puzzle. (Rare/Literary)
adjective
British English
- The conquering army marched into the city.
- She had a conquering spirit.
American English
- He felt a conquering pride after the win.
- The conquering heroes returned to a parade.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The king wanted to conquer new lands.
- It is hard to conquer a bad habit.
- The army fought bravely to conquer the fortress.
- You must conquer your nerves before the interview.
- The new software aims to conquer the competitive mobile gaming market.
- After years of training, she finally conquered the difficult violin concerto.
- Historians debate the motives of nations that sought to conquer vast empires.
- The philosophical treatise explores the human desire to conquer nature itself.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A CONqueror QUEstions his Rivals before defeating them. CON (with) + QUER (to seek/ask, as in 'query') = to seek to overcome something.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A STRUGGLE/WAR ('conquer your fears', 'conquer the market'); SUCCESS IS VICTORY ('conquer the mountain').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'conquer' meaning to 'buy' or 'procure' (which is 'приобрести').
- Do not use for simple 'winning' a game without a struggle ('выиграть').
- The Russian 'конкурировать' means 'to compete', not 'to conquer'.
- For 'overcome a difficulty', 'conquer' is stronger than the more neutral 'преодолеть'.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: *'I conquered to play the piano.' (Correct: 'I mastered playing the piano.')
- Overuse in informal contexts where 'beat' or 'overcome' would be more natural.
- Spelling confusion with 'concur' (to agree).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'conquer' used in its most FIGURATIVE sense?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While its original and strongest sense relates to military victory, it is very commonly used figuratively to mean overcoming any major challenge, fear, or obstacle.
'Conquer' implies a more complete, lasting, and often territorial victory. You 'defeat' an opponent in a game, but you 'conquer' a region or a persistent fear. 'Conquer' carries a greater sense of finality and control.
Yes, absolutely. Phrases like 'conquer your fears', 'conquer a mountain', or 'conquer a new skill' are positive and focus on personal achievement and mastery without aggression.
The primary noun is 'conquest'. A person who conquers is a 'conqueror' (note the spelling: -or, not -er).