subdue

[suhb-doo, -dyoo]

verb (used with object)

subdued, subduing 

1. to conquer and bring into subjection.

   Rome subdued Gaul.

   Synonyms: vanquish, subjugate

2. to overpower by superior force; overcome.

3. to bring under mental or emotional control, as by persuasion or intimidation; render submissive.

   Synonyms: suppress, discipline, break, tame

4. to repress (feelings, impulses, etc.).

   Synonyms: suppress
   Antonyms: arouse, awaken

5. to bring (land) under cultivation.

   to subdue the wilderness.

6. to reduce the intensity, force, or vividness of (sound, light, color, etc.); tone down; soften.

   Antonyms: intensify

7. to allay (inflammation, infection, etc.).

subdue

/ səbˈdjuː /

verb

1. to establish ascendancy over by force

2. to overcome and bring under control, as by intimidation or persuasion

3. to hold in check or repress (feelings, emotions, etc)

4. to render less intense or less conspicuous

Other Word Forms

• subdual noun
• subduable adjective
• subduably adverb
• subduableness noun
• subduer noun
• subduingly adverb
• presubdue verb (used with object)
• unsubduable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of subdue¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English so(b)duen, so(b)dewen, from unattested Anglo-French soduer “to overcome,” from Old French soduire “to deceive, seduce,” from Latin subdūcere “to withdraw”; meaning in English (and Anglo-French ) from Latin subdere “to place beneath, subdue”; subduct

Word History and Origins

Origin of subdue¹

C14 sobdue, from Old French soduire to mislead, from Latin subdūcere to remove; English sense influenced by Latin subdere to subject

Synonym Study

See defeat.

Example Sentences

The use of so-called less-lethal projectile launchers and other weapons designed to subdue rather than kill has come under renewed scrutiny after police turned to them often during recent protests against federal immigration enforcement.

From Los Angeles Times

He has the ability to adapt, read his opponents and subdue them with a combination of technique, power and tactical discipline.

From Los Angeles Times

His last two records, the subdued and introspective Subtract and Autumn Variations, were commercial misfires, selling less than half a million copies each.

From BBC

John Lewis Partnership chair Jason Tarry, said there was "no doubt that consumer confidence is subdued" ahead of the Budget in November.

From BBC

Fujii Kaze comes across a bit shy at first, but after he gets comfortable, his quirky sense of humor and high cheekbones evoke a slightly subdued Jack Sparrow.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• conquer 
• crush 
• extinguish 
• humble 
• overcome 
• overpower 
• quell 
• repress 
• restrain 
• suppress 
• tame 
• temper