verb

subdue

/səbˈdjuː/ · say it: suh·BYOO

to bring under control

In Actions & Behavior

In more detail

1. (verb) to overcome or defeat someone or something, especially by force

2. (verb) to reduce the strength or intensity of something; to make something less strong or noticeable

Examples

1. The army worked to subdue the rebellion.
2. She spoke in a subdued voice to subdue her excitement.

How to use subdue

Subdue is used when someone or something must be brought under control through effort, force, or determination. It often implies overcoming resistance or struggle. The word can apply to physical conflicts, emotional control, or even sensory adjustments like lighting or sound, though it typically suggests reducing intensity rather than eliminating entirely.

Common phrases

subdue a rebellion
subdue one's emotions
subdue the lighting
subdue a crowd
subdue one's voice

Synonyms

overcome · conquer · suppress · restrain · tame

Opposites

unleash · provoke · inflame

Word family

subdued (adjective) · subduing (gerund) · subdues (verb form)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse subdue with sedate or calm, but subdue emphasizes active control or suppression against resistance, whereas calm simply means to make peaceful without necessarily implying struggle.

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