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 colours.
Synonym: To conquer, overpower, overcome, surmount, vanquish. See Conquer.
Origin: OE. Soduen, OF. Sosduire to seduce, L. Subtus below (fr. Sub under) _ ducere to lead. See Duke, and cf. Subduct.