Meaning of subdue in English
Verb
subdueEtymology
late Middle English: from Anglo-Norman French suduire, from Latin subducere, literally ‘draw from below’Definitions
1. put down by force or intimidationExamples
- « The government quashes any attempt of an uprising »
- « China keeps down her dissidents very efficiently »
- « The rich landowners subjugated the peasants working the land »
- 2. to put down by force or authority
Examples
- « suppress a nascent uprising »
- « stamp down on littering »
- « conquer one's desires »
- 3. hold within limits and control
Examples
- « subdue one's appetites »
- « mortify the flesh »
- 4. get on top of
Examples
- « deal with successfully »
- « He overcame his shyness »
- 5. make subordinate, dependent, or subservient
Examples
- « Our wishes have to be subordinated to that of our ruler »
- 6. correct by punishment or discipline