[sub.ject] n [ME, fr. MF, fr. L subjectus one under authority & subjectum subject of a proposition, fr. masc. & neut. respectively of subjectus, pp. of subicere to subject, lit., to throw under, fr. sub- + jacere to throw--more at jet] (14c) 1: one that is placed under authority or control: as a: vassal b (1): one subject to a monarch and governed by the monarch's law (2): one who lives in the territory of, enjoys the protection of, and owes allegiance to a sovereign power or state
2. a: that of which a quality, attribute, or relation may be affirmed or in which it may inhere b: substratum; esp: material or essential substance c: the mind, ego, or agent of whatever sort that sustains or assumes the form of thought or consciousness 3 a: a department of knowledge or learning b: motive, cause c (1): one that is acted on "the helpless ~ of their cruelty" (2): an individual whose reactions or responses are studied (3): a dead body for anatomical study and dissection d (1): something concerning which something is said or done "the ~ of the essay" (2): something represented or indicated in a work of art e (1): the term of a logical proposition that denotes the entity of which something is affirmed or denied; also: the entity denoted (2): a word or word group denoting that of which something is predicated f: the principal melodic phrase on which a musical composition or movement is based syn see citizen -- sub.ject.less adj
[2]subject adj (14c) 1: owing obedience or allegiance to the power or dominion of another
2. a: suffering a particular liability or exposure "~ to temptation" b: having a tendency or inclination: prone "~ to colds"
3: contingent on or under the influence of some later action "the plan is ~ to discussion" syn see liable [3]sub.ject vt (14c) 1 a: to bring under control or dominion: subjugate b: to make (as oneself) amenable to the discipline and control of a superior
2: to make liable: predispose
3: to cause or force to undergo or endure (something unpleasant, inconvenient, or trying) "was ~ed to constant verbal abuse" -- sub.jec.tion n