Definitions

subdue

[suhb-doo, -dyoo] / səbˈdu, -ˈdju /

VERB

keep under control; moderate

Synonyms

STRONGEST

conquer crush extinguish humble overcome overpower quell repress restrain suppress tame temper

STRONG

break check control defeat discipline dominate drop gentle mellow overrun quash quench quiet quieten reduce soften squelch subjugate trample vanquish

WEAK

bear down beat down break in get the better of get the upper hand get under control put down shut down tone down triumph over

Antonyms

STRONGEST

aggravate agitate build up encourage let go lose praise release surrender yield

STRONG

aid allow assist give up help liberate permit start strengthen

WEAK

arouse incite rouse

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Subdue the nastiness, hide the labor, ward off the darkness?

From Slate • Sep. 28, 2012

Subdue your pride, which, as Aeschylus says, 'is the son of happiness and devours his father.'

From Time Magazine Archive

Even before Alberto-Culver finished developing its Subdue dandruff shampoo, the admen had filmed the TV commercials.

From Time Magazine Archive

Forgive my heart its vain regrets, And, as I cast my eyes behind, Subdue the spirit, Lord, that frets, Because the light with dark is twined.

From Hymns from the Morningland Being Translations, Centos and Suggestions from the Service Books of the Holy Eastern Church by Brownlie, John

Subdue the flesh without despising it, in humility and thankfulness.

From The Romance of the Soul by Staveley, Lilian

Vocabulary lists containing subdue

Sojourner Truth's "Ain't I A Woman?" (1863)

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

100 SAT words Beginning with "S"

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

"Common Sense," Vocabulary from the pamphlet

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!