subdual

[ suhb-doo-uhl, -dyoo- ]

noun

1. an act or instance of subduing.
2. the state of being subdued. subdued.

Other Word Forms

• self-sub·dual noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of subdual¹

First recorded in 1665–75; subdue + -al ²

Example Sentences

Once he reached it, the passenger’s door, where Burbank sat, flew open, knocking Ellis to the ground and triggering the violent subdual of Ellis that all three witnesses described as unprovoked.

From Seattle Times

A medical examiner’s report said Freeman died of an exacerbation of cardiovascular disease “due to physical altercation and subdual.”

From Seattle Times

The five officers, who were indicted on second-degree murder charges Thursday, had been assigned to a new unit with an acronym that emphasizes subdual: Scorpion.

From New York Times

According to the indictment, the grand jury heard from an unidentified forensic pathologist who said McClain’s death was a homicide caused by “acute Ketamine administration during violent subdual and restraint by law enforcement and emergency response personnel.”

From Seattle Times

Dozens of police departments have adopted limits on chokeholds and neck restraints — dangerous subdual tactics that have resulted in fatalities.

From New York Times

Related Words

• annexation
• invasion
• occupation
• rout
• subjugation
• takeover