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

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

From Los Angeles Times

The establishment is ever alert to the danger that progressive populism could majorly reduce income inequality and subdue corporate power.

From Salon

The toll would have been worse if Rich hadn’t helped subdue the gunman.

From Los Angeles Times

“Be fruitful and multiply,” the command then came, “and replenish the Earth, and subdue it.”

From Los Angeles Times

A spotlight shines on two glistening bodies facing off on the wrestling mat, each scantily clad and grappling to subdue the other in a takedown.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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