Hypertext Webster Gateway: "subduing"

From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)

Subdue \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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