Definition of subdue

• v. t. - To bring under; to conquer by force or the exertion of superior power, and bring into permanent subjection; to reduce under dominion; to vanquish.
• v. t. - To overpower so as to disable from further resistance; to crush.
• v. t. - To destroy the force of; to overcome; as, medicines subdue a fever.
• v. t. - 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.
• v. t. - To overcome, as by persuasion or other mild means; as, to subdue opposition by argument or entreaties.
• v. t. - To reduce to tenderness; to melt; to soften; as, to subdue ferocity by tears.
• v. t. - To make mellow; to break, as land; also, to destroy, as weeds.
• v. t. - To reduce the intensity or degree of; to tone down; to soften; as, to subdue the brilliancy of colors.