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

Its location atop overlapping tectonic boundaries, especially the Aleutian subduction zone, means earthquake preparedness remains a constant concern. —Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 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

Until now, geologists could only speculate about what forces drive a subduction zone’s final decline. —New Atlas, 1 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