Definition of: subdue

(sub·d′, -dy′) v.t. dued, ·du·ing
1. To gain dominion over, as by war or force; subjugate; vanquish.
2. To overcome by training, influence, or persuasion; tame.
3. To repress (emotions, impulses, etc.).
4. To reduce the intensity of; soften, as a color or sound.
5. To bring (land) under cultivation. [<OF soduire seduce <L subducere SUBDUCE; infl. in meaning by L subdere overcome]
—sub·du′a·ble adjective
—sub·du′al noun
—sub·du′er noun Synonyms: beat, break, bridle, conquer, control, crush, master, overbear, overcome, overpower, overwhelm, reduce, repress, subject, suppress, train, vanquish. See CHASTEN, CONQUER, REPRESS.