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subdue |
2 definitions 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}. From WordNet r 1.6 [wn]: subdue v 1: put down by force or intimidation; "The government quashes any attempt of an uprising"; "China keeps down her dissidents very efficiently"; "The rich landowners subjugated the peasants working the land" [syn: {repress}, {quash}, {keep down}, {subjugate}, {reduce}] 2: to put down by force or authority; "suppress a nascent uprising", "stamp down on littering" "conquer one's desires" [syn: {suppress}, {stamp down}, {inhibit}, {conquer}, {curb}] 3: hold within limits and control; "subdue one's appetites" [syn: {mortify}] 4: get on top of deal with successfully; "He overcame his shyness" [syn: {swim}, {overcome}, {get over}, {surmount}, {master}] 5: correct by punishment or discipline [syn: {tame}, {chasten}]
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