Subdue (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Subdued (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Subduing.] [OE. soduen, OF. sosduire to seduce, L. subtus below (fr. sub under) + ducere to lead. See Duke, and cf. Subduct.] 1. To bring under; to conquer by force or the exertion of superior power, and bring into permanent subjection; to reduce under dominion; to vanquish.
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I will subdue all thine enemies. 1 Chron. xvii. 10.
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2. To overpower so as to disable from further resistance; to crush.
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Nothing could have subdued nature
To such a lowness, but his unkind daughters. Shak.
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If aught . . . were worthy to subdue
The soul of man. Milton.
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3. To destroy the force of; to overcome; as, medicines subdue a fever.
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4. To render submissive; to bring under command; to reduce to mildness or obedience; to tame; as, to subdue a stubborn child; to subdue the temper or passions.
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5. To overcome, as by persuasion or other mild means; as, to subdue opposition by argument or entreaties.
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6. To reduce to tenderness; to melt; to soften; as, to subdue ferocity by tears.
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7. To make mellow; to break, as land; also, to destroy, as weeds.
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8. To reduce the intensity or degree of; to tone down; to soften; as, to subdue the brilliancy of colors.
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Syn. -- To conquer; overpower; overcome; surmount; vanquish. See Conquer.
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