/ səbˈdjuː; NAmE -ˈduː/ verb [ vn ] (rather formal )
1.
to bring sb/sth under control, especially by using force
SYN defeat :
Troops were called in to subdue the rebels.
2.
to calm or control your feelings
SYN suppress :
Julia had to subdue an urge to stroke his hair.
••
WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Anglo-Norman French suduire , from Latin subducere , literally draw from below.