Category:Subdue

Sub*due", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Subdued; p. pr. & vb. n. Subduing.] Etym: [oe. soduen, of. sosduire to seduce, l. subtus below (fr. sub Under) + ducere to lead. See duke, and cf. Subduct.]

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 colors.

Syn. -- to conquer; overpower; overcome; surmount; vanquish. See conquer.