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

Most earthquakes occur along subduction zones, where the Indo-Australian Plate dives beneath the Eurasian Plate. —Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 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

Scientists have noticed intriguing patterns on underwater subduction zones in recent years before some of the biggest earthquakes, like the 2014 magnitude-8.1 earthquake in Chile and the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan, which touched off the Fukushima nuclear disaster. —Evan Bush, NBC news, 25 Sep. 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