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Definition of subdue

subdue

/səbˈdjuː/
sub · due
Adjective:subdued
•
Past Simple:subdued
•
Past Participle:subdued
•
Present Participle:subduing
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subdue Lexical Profile

subdue Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To overcome, quieten, or bring a person, group, or force under control.

Example

"Firefighters worked through the night to subdue the raging wildfire before it reached the residential valley."

2

To bring a feeling, impulse, or reaction under control; to soften or tone down the intensity of something.

Example

"She took a deep breath to subdue her nervousness before stepping onto the stage to deliver the keynote address."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for subdue

• Nearby Words

subdivide
subdivision
subdomain
subdue
subdued
subeditor
subfield

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English subduen, borrowed from Anglo-Norman soduire, from Latin subducere ('to draw from below, withdraw'), altered in meaning under the influence of Latin subdere ('to subject, put under').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Subdue. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/subdue
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