subdue

One entry found for subdue.

Main Entry: sub·due
Pronunciation: s&b-'dü, -'dyü
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
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
synonym see CONQUER
- sub·du·er noun