tamed

[ teymd ]

adjective

1. (of animals) changed from the wild or savage state, so as to be gentle and unafraid of humans; domesticated:

   If released into the wild, a tamed lion is an easy target for hunters.

2. (of a person or disposition) made tractable, docile, or submissive:

   My whole life I have struggled not to become the tamed child of institutionalized education.

3. (of natural resources, etc.) brought under control and into service; made useful and manageable:

   When the dam was complete and the tamed river swelled into a lake, steamboats plied its waters for excursions.

4. deprived of excitement, interest, attractiveness, or risk; made safe and dull:

   According to Kloosterman, a “fully tamed city” is not just boring, but also stiffening—it stifles flexibility.

5. deprived of courage, ardor, or zest:

   Tamed faith cannot dispel shame or reach out to lovingly reclaim someone who has gone astray.

6. (of land or plants) cultivated:

   The vine is a tamed plant; its growth rate, amount of foliage, and fruit production are closely controlled by pruning and thinning.

verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of tame.

Other Words From

• un·tamed adjective
• well-tamed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of tamed¹

First recorded in 1580–90; tame + -ed ²( def ) for the adjective senses; tame + -ed ¹( def ) for the verb sense

Example Sentences

The U.S. economy remains very strong—the envy of the developed world, with inflation tamed, growth robust, and the best labor market in 50 years.

From Slate

He didn’t want to be tamed or reduced by the carceral system.

From Salon

“The West was tamed long before Brad Gates became sheriff, but like the lawmen before him, he ensured a rapidly growing county was kept safe.”

From Los Angeles Times

Lord Mervyn King said inflation has now been tamed, but criticised all central banks for failing to act fast enough initially.

From BBC

People like Sabrina Carpenter and Olivia Rodrigo have blown up since starring on “Girl Meets World” and “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series,” respectively, and their current music is noticeably more risque than even Cyrus’ breakout hit, “Can’t Be Tamed,” which was released while she was still starring on “Hannah Montana” in 2010.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• beaten
• crushed