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subdue

Browse the Dictionary:: A; B; C; D; E; F; G; H; I; J; K; L; M; N; O; P; Q; R; S; T; U; V; W; X; Y; Z; #

subdue

Main Entry:: sub·due
Pronunciation:: \səb-ˈdü, -ˈdyü\
Function:: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s):: sub·dued; sub·du·ing
Etymology:: Middle English sodewen, subduen, from Anglo-French soduire, subdure to lead astray, overcome, arrest (influenced in form and meaning by Latin subdere to subject), from Latin subducere to withdraw, remove stealthily
Date:: 14th century

1 : to conquer and bring into subjection : vanquish 2 : to bring under control especially by an exertion of the will : curb <subdued my foolish fears> 3 : to bring (land) under cultivation 4 : to reduce the intensity or degree of : tone down

synonyms see conquer

— sub·du·er noun

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