1 B2 idiomatic formal
To gain or establish control or authority over a person, group, or territory.
"The general's forces brought the rebellious province under control within weeks."
separable
bring under
B2 formal separable transitive
To place something or someone under the control, authority, or influence of something else.
In plain English
To get control over something, like putting it under your power.
What does "bring under" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic formal
To classify or include something within a particular category or regulatory framework.
"New legislation will bring online marketplaces under the same rules as traditional retailers."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To move something physically under another object — the idiomatic extension applies this spatial idea to power and authority.
Actually means
To get control over something, like putting it under your power.
Usage tip
Commonly followed by nouns like 'control', 'command', 'authority', or 'subjugation'. Frequently used in military, political, and administrative contexts. Formal in tone.
Words that pair with "bring under"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
control authority command subjugation jurisdiction discipline
How to conjugate "bring under"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
bring under
I/you/we/they
3rd person
brings under
he/she/it
Past simple
brought under
yesterday
Past participle
brought under
have + pp
-ing form
bringing under
continuous
Hear "bring under" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "bring under" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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