Main Entry:

sub·due

Pronunciation:

\səb-ˈdü, -ˈdyü\

Function:

transitive verb

Inflected Form(s):

sub·dued; sub·du·ing

Etymology:

Middle English sodewen, subduen, from Anglo-French soduire, subdure to lead astray, overcome, arrest (influenced in form and meaning by Latin subdere to subject), from Latin subducere to withdraw, remove stealthily

Date:

14th century

1 : to conquer and bring into subjection : vanquish 2 : to bring under control especially by an exertion of the will : curb <subdued my foolish fears> 3 : to bring (land) under cultivation 4 : to reduce the intensity or degree of : tone down

synonyms see conquer

— sub·du·er noun