səbˈd(y)ü transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English subduen, sodewen (probably influenced in meaning by Latin subdere to put under, subdue), from Middle French soduire to seduce, deceive (probably influenced in meaning by Latin seducere to seduce), from Latin subducere to withdraw, literally, to lead up, lead away, from sub- up, further + ducere to lead — more at seduce , sub- , tow
1. : to conquer by force or by superior power and bring into subjection : vanquish , crush
where Norman forces subdued the English
2.
a. : to bring (as a person) into subjection or order by or as if by persuasion, intimidation, or threat of punishment
subdue a wilful child
b. : to bring under control especially by an exertion of the will : curb
subduing her foolish fears
determined to subdue this unruly desire
c. archaic : to bring (a disease) under control by treatment
3. : to prepare (land) for the growing of crops : bring under cultivation
4. : to reduce the intensity or degree of : make less prominent : tone down
with an effort subdued his angry speech
voices became subdued as the twilight deepened
a soft hairdo helped to subdue her heavy features
Synonyms: see conquer