subjugate, elicit, compress, allocate, lament: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from TOEFL Vocabulary set 195. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. subjugate · verb/ˈsʌb.dʒə.ɡeɪt/

   to bring under control or domination

   Throughout history, many empires have sought to subjugate neighboring nations to expand their territory.

   Synonyms: dominate, conquer, subdue

   Origin: Late Latin 'subjugare', from 'sub-' meaning 'under' and 'jugare' meaning 'to join' or 'to yoke'

2. elicit · verb/ɪˈlɪsɪt/

   to draw out or bring forth a response, answer, or reaction

   The teacher asked a series of questions to elicit thoughtful responses from her students during the discussion.

   Synonyms: draw out, evoke, extract

   Origin: From Latin 'elicere', meaning 'to draw out, bring forth'

3. compress · verb/kəmˈprɛs/

   to press or squeeze together to reduce in size or volume

   To save space on my hard drive, I need to compress these large image files.

   Synonyms: squeeze, compact, condense

   Origin: from Latin 'compressus', the past participle of 'comprimere', combining 'com-' (together) and 'premere' (to press)

4. allocate · verb/ˈæləˌkeɪt/

   to distribute resources or duties for a specific purpose

   The manager decided to allocate resources more effectively to ensure the project's success.

   Synonyms: assign, distribute, apportion

   Origin: From Latin 'allocare', from 'ad-' meaning 'to' + 'locare' meaning 'to place'

5. lament · noun/ləˈmɛnt/

   a passionate expression of grief or sorrow

   The mourners gathered to hear the lament for their beloved leader, expressing their deep sorrow over his loss.

   Synonyms: mourning, dirge, wail

   Origin: from Old French 'lament', from Latin 'lamentari' meaning 'to mourn, to wail'