1  definition  found 
 
  From  Webster's  Revised  Unabridged  Dictionary  (1913)  [web1913]: 
 
  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. 
 
  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}. 

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