I. ˈsəb-jikt, -(ˌ)jekt noun
Etymology: Middle English suget, subget, from Anglo-French, from Latin subjectus one under authority & subjectum subject of a proposition, from masculine & neuter respectively of subjectus, past participle of subicere to subject, literally, to throw under, from sub- + jacere to throw — more at jet
Date: 14th century
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 ; especially : 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 subject 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 subject 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
Synonyms: see citizen
• sub·ject·less -ləs adjective
II. adjective
Date: 14th century
1. : owing obedience or allegiance to the power or dominion of another
2.
a. : suffering a particular liability or exposure
subject to temptation
b. : having a tendency or inclination : prone
subject to colds
3. : contingent on or under the influence of some later action
the plan is subject to discussion
Synonyms: see liable
III. səb-ˈjekt, ˈsəb-ˌjekt transitive verb
Date: 14th century
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 subject ed to constant verbal abuse
• sub·jec·tion səb-ˈjek-shən noun