subdue

[ suhb-doo, -dyoo ]

/ səbˈdu, -ˈdyu /

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verb (used with object), sub·dued, sub·du·ing.

to conquer and bring into subjection: Rome subdued Gaul.

to overpower by superior force; overcome.

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

to repress (feelings, impulses, etc.).

to bring (land) under cultivation: to subdue the wilderness.

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

to allay (inflammation, infection, etc.).

Nearby words

subdominant, subdual, subduct, subduction, subduction zone, subdue, subdued, subduedly, subdural, subdural hemorrhage, subdural space

Origin of subdue

1350–1400; Middle English so(b)duen, so(b)dewen < Anglo-French *soduer to overcome, Old French soduire to deceive, seduce < Latin subdūcere to withdraw (see subduct); meaning in E (and Anglo-French) < Latin subdere to place beneath, subdue

SYNONYMS FOR subdue

1 subjugate, vanquish.

3 tame, break, discipline.

3, 4 suppress.

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ANTONYMS FOR subdue

4 awaken, arouse.

6 intensify.

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Related forms

sub·du·a·ble, adjectivesub·du·a·ble·ness, nounsub·du·a·bly, adverbsub·du·er, noun

sub·du·ing·ly, adverbpre·sub·due, verb (used with object), pre·sub·dued, pre·sub·du·ing.un·sub·du·a·ble, adjective

Synonym study

1. See defeat.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for subdue

It took a blow to the head from Clark and the assistance of three deputies to subdue her.
Dr. King Goes to Hollywood: The Flawed History of ‘Selma’|Gary May|January 2, 2015|DAILY BEAST
The younger brother would try everything in his power from a distance to subdue the roaring flames of passion.
Decoding Vincent Van Gogh’s Tempestuous, Fragile Mind|Nick Mafi|December 7, 2014|DAILY BEAST
At least one Metropolitan Police officer was injured during the struggle to subdue the man.
London Woman Beheaded by Machete-Wielding 'Madman'|Nico Hines|September 4, 2014|DAILY BEAST
A brief struggle ensues as several officers attempt to subdue a squirming Grant, his hands behind his back.
‘Fruitvale Station,’ Sundance’s Hottest Film, Comes to Theaters|Marlow Stern|January 22, 2013|DAILY BEAST

Yet it is these very anarchic groups that the Second Amendment was incorporated to subdue.
Gun-Control Foes Misunderstand the Intent of the Second Amendment|Jack Schwartz|December 18, 2012|DAILY BEAST
With a band of relatives he invaded the convent, but neither abuse nor blows could subdue this child of fourteen.
Life of St. Francis of Assisi|Paul Sabatier
They were strong and fearless, and they seemed to say, "Here before us is great wonder, but wonder does not subdue our minds!"
1492|Mary Johnston
What did it cost "to subdue" the present tillable lands of this country?
Principles of Political Economy|Arthur Latham Perry
One glance into those coldly watchful eyes was sufficient to subdue any surge of compassion.
Men in War|Andreas Latzko
She had never intended to say so much, and she trembled with an excitement which she could not subdue.
Robert Orange|John Oliver Hobbes

British Dictionary definitions for subdue

subdue

/ (səbˈdjuː) /

verb -dues, -duing or -dued (tr)

to establish ascendancy over by force

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

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

to render less intense or less conspicuous

Derived Forms

subduable, adjectivesubduably, adverbsubdual, noun

Word Origin for subdue

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

subdue

verb (used with object), sub·dued, sub·du·ing.

RELATED WORDS

Nearby words

Origin of subdue

SYNONYMS FOR subdue

ANTONYMS FOR subdue

Related forms

Synonym study

Examples from the Web for subdue

British Dictionary definitions for subdue

subdue

verb -dues, -duing or -dued (tr)

Derived Forms

Word Origin for subdue