subdue

transitive verb sub·due \səb-ˈdü, -ˈdyü\

: to get control of (a violent or dangerous person or group) by using force, punishment, etc.

: to get control of (something, such as a strong emotion)

sub·duedsub·du·ing

Full Definition of SUBDUE

: to conquer and bring into subjection : vanquish

: to bring under control especially by an exertion of the will : curb <subdued my foolish fears>

: to bring (land) under cultivation

: to reduce the intensity or degree of : tone down

— sub·du·er noun

See subdue defined for kids

Origin of SUBDUE

Middle English sodewen, subduen, from Anglo-French soduire, subdure to lead astray, overcome, arrest (influenced in form and meaning by Latin subdere to subject), from Latin subducere to withdraw, remove stealthily

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to SUBDUE

Synonyms: best, conquer, defeat, dispatch, do down [British], get, get around, lick, master, overbear, overcome, overmatch, prevail (over), skunk, stop, beat, surmount, take, trim, triumph (over), upend, win (against), worst

Antonyms: lose (to)

Synonym Discussion of SUBDUE

conquer, vanquish, defeat, subdue, reduce, overcome, overthrow mean to get the better of by force or strategy. conquer implies gaining mastery of <Caesar conquered Gaul>. vanquish implies a complete overpowering <vanquished the enemy and ended the war>. defeat does not imply the finality or completeness of vanquish which it otherwise equals <the Confederates defeated the Union forces at Manassas>. subdue implies a defeating and suppression <subdued the native tribes after years of fighting>. reduce implies a forcing to capitulate or surrender <the city was reduced after a month-long siege>. overcome suggests getting the better of with difficulty or after hard struggle <overcame a host of bureaucratic roadblocks>. overthrow stresses the bringing down or destruction of existing power <violently overthrew the old regime>.