What does conquest mean?
Conquest refers to the act of gaining control over a country, people, or territory, typically through military force, as in the Norman conquest of England. It can also describe the land or population so subdued, or, more figuratively, the winning of someone's admiration or affection, or the mastering of a personal challenge such as a fear or a difficult climb. The word carries weighty historical associations: conquest has shaped empires, borders, and cultures, and in modern writing it often carries a critical or sombre connotation when applied to the domination of one people by another. In everyday speech it appears more lightly, sometimes even playfully, in phrases about romantic or professional victories. Derived from Latin via Old French, it remains a precise and evocative term for decisive, often hard-won success.
nounThe act or process of taking control of a country, people, or territory by force; also the successful overcoming of a problem, obstacle, or emotion.
- The subjugation and control of a country, people, or territory by military force.
- A territory or people that has been taken over in this way.
- The act of winning someone's affection, admiration, or romantic interest.
- The successful overcoming of a difficulty, fear, or personal challenge.
"The Norman conquest of England in 1066 transformed its language and laws."
"The Spanish conquest of the Americas reshaped two continents."
"After months of training, her conquest of the mountain finally felt complete."
The plural typically refers either to multiple territories won or to a series of romantic or personal triumphs; the latter sense can sound boastful.
"His list of conquests grew longer every summer."
The word 'conquest' once meant simply 'to seek out' — the Latin conquirere literally means to hunt for something thoroughly.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of conquest
Conquest entered English in the Middle Ages via Old French, ultimately deriving from the Latin conquirere, meaning to seek out or search for thoroughly. Its earliest English sense was close to that Latin root — an acquisition or something sought and won — before narrowing to mean victory over and control of a people or place. It shares this Latin root with words such as conquer, acquire, inquire, and require.
How conquest is actually used
Conquest is a formal to neutral noun, most common in historical and political writing. In modern usage it can carry a negative connotation when describing the domination of peoples, and a slightly boastful tone when used of romantic or social 'conquests'. The phrase 'make a conquest' is somewhat dated.