Sub-dūe', v. t.
v. t. [imp. & p. p. SUBDUED; p. pr. & vb. n. SUBDUING.] [O. Fr. subduzer, to subdue, from Lat. sub, under, and ducere, to lead; Norm. Fr. subduit, ruined. Cf. O. Fr. souduire, sosduire, to seduce.]
Sense 1. To bring under; to conquer by force or the exertion of superior power, and bring into permanent subjection; to reduce under dominion.
I will subdue all thine enemies. 1 Chron. xvii. 10.
Sense 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.
Sense 3. To overpower and destroy the force of; to overcome; as, medicines subdue a fever.
Sense 4. To break, by conquering a refractory temper or evil passions; to render submissive; to reduce to mildness; to tame; as, to subdue a stubborn child; to subdue the temper or passions.
Sense 5. To overcome by persuasion, or other mild means; as, to subdue opposition by argument or entreaties.
Sense 6. To reduce to tenderness; to melt; to soften; as, to subdue ferocity by tears.
Sense 7. To make mellow; to break, as land; also, to destroy, as weeds.
Synonyms— To conquer; overpower; overcome; surmount; vanquish. See CONQUER.