subdue

[ suhb-doo, -dyoo ]

verb (used with object)

, sub·dued, sub·du·ing.

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

Derived Forms

• subˈdual, noun
• subˈduable, adjective
• subˈduably, adverb

Other Words From

• sub·dua·ble adjective
• sub·dua·ble·ness noun
• sub·dua·bly adverb
• sub·duer noun
• sub·duing·ly adverb
• presub·due verb (used with object) presubdued presubduing
• unsub·dua·ble 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 economy grew by just 0.1% over the period, and the Office for National Statistics said activity was subdued across most industries.

From BBC

England subdued the atmosphere from the start, mixing calm possession with pace in attack, especially down the flanks, setting the tone for Carsley's finest night.

From BBC

The show’s straightforward animation and subdued color palette are also important.

From Los Angeles Times

“We’re not allowed to subdue or really do anything to move the bear home.”

From Los Angeles Times

“Dan could have easily put me in a gown that was a little more subdued; he stuck with the pattern but kept a nonthreatening silhouette. It’s a sweet cap sleeve,” Preston says.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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