— subduable , adj. — subduableness , n. — subduably , adv. — subduer , n. — subduingly , adv.
/seuhb dooh", -dyooh"/ , v.t., subdued, subduing .
1. to conquer and bring into subjection: Rome subdued Gaul.
2. to overpower by superior force; overcome.
3. to bring under mental or emotional control, as by persuasion or intimidation; render submissive.
4. to repress (feelings, impulses, etc.).
5. to bring (land) under cultivation: to subdue the wilderness.
6. to reduce the intensity, force, or vividness of (sound, light, color, etc.); tone down; soften.
7. to allay (inflammation, infection, etc.).
[ 1350-1400; ME so ( b ) duen, so ( b ) dewen soduer to overcome, OF soduire to deceive, seduce subducere to withdraw (see SUBDUCT); meaning in E (and AF) subdere to place beneath, subdue ]
Syn. 1. subjugate, vanquish. See defeat. 3. tame, break, discipline. 3, 4 . suppress.
Ant. 4. awaken, arouse. 6. intensify.