Sub·due v. t. [imp. & p. p. Subdued p. pr. & vb. n. Subduing.]
 1. To bring under; to conquer by force or the exertion of superior power, and bring into permanent subjection; to reduce under dominion; to vanquish.
    I will subdue all thine enemies.   --1 Chron. xvii. 10.
 2. To overpower so as to disable from further resistance; to crush.
 Nothing could have subdued nature
 To such a lowness, but his unkind daughters.   --Shak.
 If aught . . . were worthy to subdue
 The soul of man.   --Milton.
 3. To destroy the force of; to overcome; as, medicines subdue a fever.
 4. To render submissive; to bring under command; to reduce to mildness or obedience; to tame; as, to subdue a stubborn child; to subdue the temper or passions.
 5. To overcome, as by persuasion or other mild means; as, to subdue opposition by argument or entreaties.
 6. To reduce to tenderness; to melt; to soften; as, to subdue ferocity by tears.
 7. To make mellow; to break, as land; also, to destroy, as weeds.
 8. To reduce the intensity or degree of; to tone down; to soften; as, to subdue the brilliancy of colors.
 Syn: -- To conquer; overpower; overcome; surmount; vanquish. See Conquer.

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