Conquest

'kɒŋkwest

nounIntermediateCommonGeneral

Definitions

2 meanings
1

The act or process of conquering; the subjugation of a country, territory, or people by military force.

'kɒŋkwest

nounneutralIntermediate
General

The act of taking control of a country, region, or people by military force.

The Norman Conquest of England in 1066 fundamentally changed the country's language and culture.

💡 Simply: Imagine a team winning a game and taking over the other team's territory. Conquest is like taking control of something by winning or fighting for it. It’s about taking charge!

👶 For kids: When someone wins a fight or a game and takes over the other team's stuff, that's conquest!

More Examples

2

After a long and bloody war, the invaders achieved conquest and established their rule.

3

The explorer's aim was not mere conquest, but also scientific discovery.

4

The relentless conquest of new territories fueled the empire's growth.

How It's Used

Historical

"The Roman conquest of Gaul."

Military

"The general led the conquest of the city."

2

Something that is conquered or acquired, often a person, territory, or achievement.

'kɒŋkwest

nounneutralIntermediate
General

A person or thing that has been acquired through conquest.

The city became the latest conquest of the expanding empire.

💡 Simply: Think of it as something you've 'won' or 'gained' - like a friend you convinced to join your team. It's the prize or thing you get when you conquer something.

👶 For kids: The thing or person you get when you win something, like winning a new toy!

More Examples

2

Her successful business was a significant conquest in her life.

3

The new territory was a rich conquest.

How It's Used

Figurative

"His charm was his greatest conquest."

Tip:Similar to the first meaning, but now it is the *result* of the 'conquest'.

From Old French *conqueste*, from Latin *conquīsta*, feminine past participle of *conquīrere* ('to seek to gain'), from *con-* ('together') and *quaerere* ('to seek').

Used since the 13th century, particularly in historical and military contexts to describe the act of gaining control.

Memory tip

Think of 'con' (together) + 'quest' (search). Together, searching for land or control.

conqestconqestconkwist

Usage

30%Spoken
70%Written