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