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subdue

verb
sub·​due | \ səb-ˈdü How to pronounce subdue (audio) , -ˈdyü\
subdued; subduing

Definition of subdue

transitive verb

1 : to conquer and bring into subjection : vanquish
2 : to bring under control especially by an exertion of the will : curb subdued my foolish fears
3 : to bring (land) under cultivation
4 : to reduce the intensity or degree of : tone down
Other Words from subdue Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about subdue

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Other Words from subdue

subduer noun

Choose the Right Synonym for 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

Examples of subdue in a Sentence

The troops were finally able to subdue the rebel forces after many days of fighting. He was injured while trying to subdue a violent drunk. She struggled to subdue her fears.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Authorities in a California city had to use a tranquilizer dart to subdue a large pig that was menacing residents. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "California authorities use tranquilizer to stop rogue pig," 25 Aug. 2019 Officers used a stun gun to subdue him, and he was taken to the hospital. — Tom Steele, Dallas News, "Man charged with murdering wife at Hotel ZaZa in Uptown Dallas was covered in blood when he opened door," 1 Aug. 2019 No injuries were reported in that altercation, which included police use of a Taser to subdue him. — Curt Anderson, sun-sentinel.com, "‘We are coming for you Trump’: Man accused of trying to slash Walmart employee in Fort Lauderdale threatened president, feds say," 30 July 2019 Officers used a police dog to subdue Garner, who suffered at least one dog bite, Tepoorten said. — Robert Salonga, The Mercury News, "San Jose: Son charged with murder in killing of elementary school teacher," 23 July 2019 Police used tear gas, steel batons and rubber bullets to subdue protesters during scuffles outside the government headquarters last Wednesday. — Elaine Kurtenbach, Fox News, "Hong Kong leader says extradition bill unlikely to be revived," 18 June 2019 Citing the store video, Kenney said that Stabile's choke hold was clearly improper — noting the Miami police force and many other law enforcement agencies nationwide no longer allow officers to use that kind of force to subdue suspects. — Jay Weaver, miamiherald, "He was playing his radio too loud, then got choked by a cop. Now, he wants the city to pay," 29 June 2018 More speculatively, Käs thinks the idea could also yield new avenues for therapies that are gentler than the shock-and-awe approach clinicians typically use to subdue a tumor. — Gabriel Popkin, Quanta Magazine, "Jammed Cells Expose the Physics of Cancer," 16 Aug. 2016 Holland, who is currently serving two life sentences for murder, was quickly subdued without further incident, according to police. — Indianapolis Star, "State Police: Prisoner fatally stabbed fellow inmate at Pendleton prison," 10 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'subdue.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of subdue

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for 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

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More Definitions for subdue

subdue

verb
How to pronounce subdue (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of subdue

: 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)

See the full definition for subdue in the English Language Learners Dictionary

subdue

verb
sub·​due | \ səb-ˈdü How to pronounce subdue (audio) , -ˈdyü\
subdued; subduing

Kids Definition of subdue

1 : to bring under control He subdued his fears. Police subdued the angry man.
2 : to overcome in battle Troops subdued the enemy.

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