English Explanatory Dictionary

subdue

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To overcome, quieten, or bring under control.
  2. To bring (a country) under control by force.

Pronunciation

/səbˈdu/ /səbˈdjuː/ /səbˈdʒuː/ /sʌb-/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-subdue.wav

Word forms

subdue subdues subduing subdued

Etymology

From Middle English subdewen, subduen, sodewen, from Old French souduire, from Latin subdūcō (“to draw away”), perhaps influenced by subdō (“to subdue, subject”).

Synonyms

restrain stifle underbring behedge guard govern smother bind chasten check inhibit contain vanquish cork curb bury curtail dampen hamshackle hold back hold down limit repress restrict shackle stay stop straiten subdue suppress throttle withhold withstrain conquer

Derived words

resubdue subduable subdual subduement subduer subduingly
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