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subdue - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'subdue' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Subdue [ v. t.]
- To bring under; to conquer by force or the exertion of superior power, and bring into permanent subjection; to reduce under dominion; to vanquish.
- To overpower so as to disable from further resistance; to crush.
- To destroy the force of; to overcome; as, medicines subdue a fever.
- 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.
- To overcome, as by persuasion or other mild means; as, to subdue opposition by argument or entreaties.
- To reduce to tenderness; to melt; to soften; as, to subdue ferocity by tears.
- To make mellow; to break, as land; also, to destroy, as weeds.
- To reduce the intensity or degree of; to tone down; to soften; as, to subdue the brilliancy of colors.

Meaning of 'subdue' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . subdue [ v]
Meaning (1):
- put down by force or intimidation
Example in sentence:
  • China keeps down her dissidents very efficiently;
  • The government quashes any attempt of an uprising;
  • The rich landowners subjugated the peasants working the land
Meaning (2):
- bring under control by force or authority
Example in sentence:
  • conquer one's desires;
  • stamp down on littering;
  • suppress a nascent uprising
Meaning (3):
- get on top of; deal with successfully
Example in sentence:
  • He overcame his shyness
Meaning (4):
- hold within limits and control
Example in sentence:
  • mortify the flesh;
  • subdue one's appetites
Meaning (5):
- make subordinate, dependent, or subservient
Example in sentence:
  • Our wishes have to be subordinated to that of our ruler

Nearby Words:

sub sub judice sub- sub-base sub-bass subacid subacrid subacromial subact subaction

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