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subdue definition

sub·due (-do̵̅o̅′, -dyo̵̅o̅′)

transitive verb subdued -·dued′, subduing -·du′·ing

  1. to bring into subjection; conquer; vanquish
  2. to overcome, as by persuasion or training; control
  3. to make less intense; reduce; diminish; soften; allay
  4. to repress (emotions, passions, etc.)
  5. to bring (land) under cultivation

Etymology: ME subdewen (altered in sense and form by assoc. with L subdere, to put under, subject) < OFr soduire, to withdraw, seduce < L subducere: see subduce

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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