Sub*due" (?), 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.
I will subdue all thine enemies.
1 Chron. xvii.
10. 2. To overpower so as to disable
from further resistance; to crush.
Nothing could have subdued nature
To such a lowness, but his unkind
daughters.
Shak. If aught . . . were worthy to subdue
The soul of man.
Milton.
3. To destroy the force of; to overcome; as, medicines subdue a fever.
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.
5. To overcome, as by persuasion or other mild
means; as, to subdue opposition by argument or entreaties.
6. To reduce to
tenderness; to melt; to soften; as, to
subdue ferocity by tears.
7. To make mellow; to break, as land; also, to
destroy, as weeds.
8. To reduce the intensity or degree of; to
tone down; to soften; as,
to subdue the brilliancy of colors.
Syn.
-- To conquer; overpower; overcome; surmount; vanquish. See Conquer.
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