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subdue

sub·due

subdue

 
 
pronunciation:
sb du [or] sb dyu
features:
Word Combinations (verb)
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: subdues, subduing, subdued
definition 1: to overcome or conquer, as by military victory.
The Romans subdued the rebel forces.
synonyms:
conquer, defeat, master, overcome, subjugate, vanquish
similar words:
crush, down, drub, foil, overwhelm, put down, quash, quell, rout, thrash
definition 2: to bring under control by use of physical force, persuasion, or effort of will.
The cowboy subdued the wild horse.After a fight, the police were able to subdue the suspect.She subdued her anger and replied in a calm voice.
synonyms:
break, bridle, calm, conquer, control, master, quell, rein, still, vanquish
similar words:
bow, chasten, check, choke, curb, dominate, govern, harness, moderate, overcome, overpower, overwhelm, quash, repress, tame, temper, tone down
definition 3: to lessen the strength or intensity of.
The light in the patient's room was subdued so he could rest.
synonyms:
mute, soften, tone down
similar words:
diffuse, moderate, muffle, still
definition 4: to cultivate (land not previously farmed).
The pioneers subdued the wilderness.
synonyms:
cultivate, tame
similar words:
domesticate, plant
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
derivations: subduable (adj.), subdued (adj.), subduer (n.)