subdue

verb
UK: /səbˈdjuː/
US: /səbˈduː/

  1. To defeat or bring under control, often by force or authority.

    1. The army had to subdue the rebels to restore peace to the region.
    2. The police used tear gas to subdue the crowd after the protest escalated into a riot.

  2. To restrain or hold back something, like an emotion or desire.

    1. She tried to subdue her anger at the unfair decision, but it was difficult.
    2. He attempted to subdue his excitement when he heard the good news about his promotion.

  3. To reduce the intensity or strength of something.

    1. The dim lighting helped to subdue the harsh glare of the computer screens.
    2. A light rain began to subdue the dust that had been kicked up during the afternoon.

Synonyms

overcome restrain defeat control suppress vanquish conquer

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "subdue" in English means: To defeat or bring under control, often by force or authority., To restrain or hold back something, like an emotion or desire., To reduce the intensity or strength of something..

The phonetic transcription of "subdue" is /səbˈdjuː/ in British English and /səbˈduː/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "subdue": overcome, restrain, defeat, control, suppress, vanquish, conquer.

Example usage of "subdue": "The army had to subdue the rebels to restore peace to the region.". More examples on the page.