verb
subdue
suhb-DYOO
verb
1
To bring a person, animal, or feeling under control, often by force or effort.
"It took three officers to subdue the struggling suspect."
"She tried to subdue her rising panic before the interview."
2
To conquer a country or people and bring them under one's control.
"The empire subdued the rebellious province after a long campaign."
How to Use Subdue
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo bring something or someone under control, whether that's a person, an army, or an emotion.
Common pairings
subdue a rebellion
subdue an opponent
subdue one's fear
Word Forms
subdued past tense, subdues singular
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Etymology
From Old French souduire, ultimately from Latin subdūcō ("to draw away, withdraw"), likely blended in meaning with subdō ("to subject, subdue").