v.tr. (subdues, subdued, subduing) 1 conquer, subjugate, or tame (an enemy, nature, one's emotions, etc.). 2 (as subdued adj.) softened; lacking in intensity; toned down (subdued light; in a subdued mood). subduable adj. subdual n.
[ ME sodewe f. OF so(u)duire f. L subducere (as SUB-, ducere lead, bring) used with the sense of subdere conquer (as SUB-, -dere put) ]