conquer

Etymology

From Middle English conqueren, from Old French conquerre, from Late Latin conquaerere (“to knock, strike; to search for, procure”), from Latin con- + quaerere (“to seek, acquire”). Displaced native Old English oferwinnan.

verb

1. To defeat in combat; to subjugate.
2. To acquire by force of arms, win in war; to become ruler of; to subjugate.
   In 1453, the Ottoman Empire conquered Constantinople.
   We conquer'd France, but felt our captive's charms. 1714, Alexander Pope, Imitation of Horace, Book II. Sat. 6
   Taiwan's interests and Hong Kong's political and economic future are best served by close ties between their friends in the West and Beijing. For example, the fact that the PRC must choose between using force to conquer Taiwan and forfeiting its relationship with the United States is the best guarantee of Taipei's security. 1992, Richard Nixon, “The Pacific Triangle”, in Seize the Moment, Simon & Schuster, →LCCN, →OCLC, page 170
3. To overcome an abstract obstacle.
   Today I conquered my fear of flying by finally boarding a plane.
   to conquer difficulties or temptations
4. (dated) To gain, win, or obtain by effort.
   to conquer freedom; to conquer a peace