conquer
UK[ˈkɒŋkə(r)]US[ˈkɑːŋkər]
v
To take control of a country or city and its people by force.
v
To successfully deal with or gain control of something difficult.
v
To become very popular or successful in a place.
Morpheme Breakdown
con
quer
con
together, with, thoroughly
quer
to seek, to gain, to ask
Etymology
The word 'conquer' entered English in the early 14th century from the Anglo-French 'conquerre', itself derived from the Vulgar Latin 'conquaerere', meaning "to search for, win". This Latin form is a compound of the intensive prefix 'com-' (here as 'con-') and the verb 'quaerere', meaning "to seek, obtain". The original sense was one of seeking thoroughly or striving to gain, which evolved specifically into the meaning of acquiring by force of arms. The semantic logic progressed from the general act of "seeking to gain" to the more specific and forceful act of "gaining control over territory or challenges," reflecting a shift from pursuit to acquisition and subjugation.
Analysis
Structure: con + quer
con: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "together, with, thoroughly".
quer: From Latin quaerere, meaning "to seek, to gain, to ask". In this word, it functions as the root meaning "to seek/gain".
Examples
The Normans conquered England in 1066.
She has finally conquered her fear of public speaking.
This new product aims to conquer the European market.