Definitions

subdue

[suhb-doo, -dyoo] / səbˈdu, -ˈdyu /

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.

Seven years later, President Thomas Jefferson sent the fleet—three frigates and a schooner—to subdue pirates disrupting shipping along North Africa’s Barbary Coast.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

Assassination attempts can also warp how journalists cover a president’s opposition, and subdue how that opposition behaves.

From Slate • Apr. 26, 2026

Fern, whose pen name wouldn’t be widely familiar until 1851, was a bright and spirited girl whose time at a religious school failed to subdue her.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 27, 2026

The use of police weapons designed to subdue rather than kill has also been challenged in court.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 2, 2025

“How did your father subdue you?” said Dumbledore.

From "Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire" by J. K. Rowling

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!