subjection: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2 (Low-frequency, academic/literary)Formal, academic, historical, literary. Rare in casual conversation.
Quick answer
What does “subjection” mean?
The state of being under the control, power, or authority of another.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The state of being under the control, power, or authority of another; the act of bringing someone or something under such control.
The state of being subjected to a particular condition, experience, or treatment (e.g., subjection to heat, subjection to scrutiny).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Equally strong negative connotations of domination and lack of freedom in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and formal in both BrE and AmE.
Grammar
How to Use “subjection” in a Sentence
subjection of [GROUP] to [AUTHORITY/CONDITION]subjection to [AUTHORITY/CONDITION]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “subjection” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The rebels were subjected to harsh interrogation.
- The metal is subjected to extreme temperatures.
American English
- The regime subjected its citizens to constant surveillance.
- The sample was subjected to rigorous testing.
adverb
British English
- This clause is subjectively phrased.
- He reviewed the data subjectively.
American English
- The report was written subjectively.
- She interpreted the rules subjectively.
adjective
British English
- The subject peoples longed for independence.
- It's a subject nation under imperial rule.
American English
- The subject population rebelled against the colonial power.
- They were in a subject position within the hierarchy.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in critical analyses of corporate power: 'the subjection of suppliers to harsh contractual terms.'
Academic
Common in history, political science, sociology, and gender studies to describe power relations: 'The colonial project relied on the subjection of indigenous populations.'
Everyday
Very rare. Would sound overly formal.
Technical
Can be used in legal contexts regarding jurisdiction or sovereignty.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “subjection”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “subjection”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “subjection”
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'a subjection'). It is almost always uncountable.
- Confusing it with 'submission', which can be more voluntary.
- Misspelling as 'subjecttion'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. 'Submission' can imply a degree of consent or yielding. 'Subjection' strongly implies being placed under control by an external force, often against one's will.
Almost never. Its connotations are overwhelmingly negative, involving loss of freedom and autonomy.
The pattern 'subjection of [X] to [Y]' is very common (e.g., 'subjection of workers to monitoring'). The pattern 'subjection to [Y]' is also used (e.g., 'their subjection to authority').
Yes, 'subjection' is the noun derived from the verb 'to subject' (meaning to bring under control or to cause to undergo).
The state of being under the control, power, or authority of another.
Subjection is usually formal, academic, historical, literary. rare in casual conversation. in register.
Subjection: in British English it is pronounced /səbˈdʒek.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /səbˈdʒek.ʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[to] live in subjection to”
- “[to] reduce/bring to subjection”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of SUBJECT + ION. A subject is under a king's rule. SUBJECTION is the state of being made into a subject.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTROL IS UP / BEING CONTROLLED IS DOWN (e.g., 'kept in subjection', 'under subjection').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the closest synonym for 'subjection' in its most common usage?