subduction

noun

sub·​duc·​tion (ˌ)səb-ˈdək-shən 

: the action or process in plate tectonics of the edge of one crustal plate descending below the edge of another

subduct

(ˌ)səb-ˈdəkt 

verb

Examples of subduction in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Surrounded by the Kitakami Mountains to the west and opening onto the Pacific Ocean to the east, Kuji sits along the Sanriku coast, where the Pacific Plate dives beneath the North American Plate, creating a major subduction zone that produces frequent and sometimes powerful earthquakes. —Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2025

These often occur when one of two converging tectonic plates slides underneath the other, creating subduction zones. —Chad De Guzman, Time, 9 Dec. 2025

The Alaska-Aleutian subduction zone is one of the most active faults in the world and has produced significant tsunamis in the past. —Evan Bush, NBC news, 8 Nov. 2025

The Cascadia subduction zone is an earthquake-prone region that stretches about 700 miles from California to British Columbia. —Katia Riddle, NPR, 5 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, from Late Latin subduction-, subductio withdrawal, from Latin subducere to withdraw, from sub- + ducere to draw — more at tow entry 1

First Known Use

1970, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for subduction

• abduction
• adduction
• conduction
• construction
• deduction
• destruction
• eduction
• induction
• instruction
• obstruction
• production
• reduction