| subdue | 1. To bring under; to conquer by force or the exertion of superior power, and bring into permanent subjection; to reduce under dominion; to vanquish. "I will subdue all thine enemies." (1 Chron. Xvii. 10) 2. To overpower so as to disable from further resistance; to crush. "Nothing could have subdued nature To such a lowness, but his unkind daughters." (Shak) "If aught . . . Were worthy to subdue The soul of man." (Milton) 3. To destroy the force of; to overcome; as, medicines subdue a fever. 4. 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. 5. To overcome, as by persuasion or other mild means; as, to subdue opposition by argument or entreaties. 6. To reduce to tenderness; to melt; to soften; as, to subdue ferocity by tears. 7. To make mellow; to break, as land; also, to destroy, as weeds. 8. To reduce the intensity or degree of; to tone down; to soften; as, to subdue the brilliancy of colours. Synonym: To conquer, overpower, overcome, surmount, vanquish. See Conquer. Origin: OE. Soduen, OF. Sosduire to seduce, L. Subtus below (fr. Sub under) + ducere to lead. See Duke, and cf. Subduct. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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