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subdue
/səbˈdjuː/
to bring under control
The soldiers worked to subdue the rebellion.
They tried to control and stop the rebellion.
general
to bring someone or something under control, often by force
The police managed to subdue the violent protester.
They controlled the aggressive person.
She struggled to subdue her anger.
She tried to control her anger.
Often used in contexts involving force or effort to control emotions, situations, or people.
general
to reduce the intensity or severity of something
The medication helped subdue the pain.
It reduced the pain.
Can be used for abstract concepts like emotions or physical sensations.
Collocations
subdue a rebellionto control a rebellionsubdue one's emotionsto control one's emotionssubdue a threatto neutralize a threat
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Context Matters
The meaning can vary based on whether it's used for people, emotions, or situations.
Gold Rule
Force vs. Effort
Use 'subdue' when control requires significant effort or force.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'subduen', from Old French 'souduire', from Latin 'subducere' (to lead under, subjugate), from 'sub-' (under) + 'ducere' (to lead).
Usage Notes
Can be used both literally (physical control) and figuratively (emotional or situational control).
Word Breakdown
sub-
under
prefix-due
to lead
rootEnglish Dictionary