vt to make mellow; to break, as land; also, to destroy, as weeds.
2. subdue ·vt to overpower so as to disable from further resistance; to crush.
3. subdue ·vt to destroy the force of; to overcome; as, medicines subdue a fever.
4. subdue ·vt to overcome, as by persuasion or other mild means; as, to subdue opposition by argument or entreaties.
5. subdue ·vt to reduce to tenderness; to melt; to soften; as, to subdue ferocity by tears.
6. subdue ·vt to reduce the intensity or degree of; to tone down; to soften; as, to subdue the brilliancy of colors.
7. subdue ·vt to bring under; to conquer by force or the exertion of superior power, and bring into permanent subjection; to reduce under dominion; to vanquish.
8. subdue ·vt to render submissive; to bring under command; to reduce to mildness or obedience; to tame; as, to subdue a stubborn child; to subdue the temper or passions.