subdue meaning and definition

SUBDUE verb

Definition of subdue (verb)

1. put down by force or intimidation
   • "The government quashes any attempt of an uprising"; "China keeps down her dissidents very efficiently"; "The rich landowners subjugated the peasants working the land"
   • synonyms: keep down, quash, reduce, repress, subjugate
2. to put down by force or authority
   • "suppress a nascent uprising"; "stamp down on littering"; "conquer one's desires"
   • synonyms: conquer, curb, inhibit, stamp down, suppress
3. hold within limits and control
   • "subdue one's appetites"; "mortify the flesh"
   • synonyms: crucify, mortify
4. get on top of; deal with successfully
   • "He overcame his shyness"
   • synonyms: get over, master, overcome, surmount
5. make subordinate, dependent, or subservient
   • "Our wishes have to be subordinated to that of our ruler"
   • synonyms: subordinate
6. correct by punishment or discipline
   • synonyms: chasten, tame