- Subduing
- Subdue Sub*due", v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Subdued}; p. pr. & vb.
n. {Subduing}.] [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.
[1913 Webster]
I will subdue all thine enemies. --1 Chron. xvii. 10. [1913 Webster]
2. To overpower so as to disable from further resistance; to crush. [1913 Webster]
Nothing could have subdued nature To such a lowness, but his unkind daughters. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
If aught . . . were worthy to subdue The soul of man. --Milton. [1913 Webster]
3. To destroy the force of; to overcome; as, medicines subdue a fever. [1913 Webster]
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. [1913 Webster]
5. To overcome, as by persuasion or other mild means; as, to subdue opposition by argument or entreaties. [1913 Webster]
6. To reduce to tenderness; to melt; to soften; as, to subdue ferocity by tears. [1913 Webster]
7. To make mellow; to break, as land; also, to destroy, as weeds. [1913 Webster]
8. To reduce the intensity or degree of; to tone down; to soften; as, to subdue the brilliancy of colors. [1913 Webster]
Syn: To conquer; overpower; overcome; surmount; vanquish. See {Conquer}. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.
