v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Subdued p. pr. & vb. n. Subduing. ] [ OE. soduen, OF. sosduire to seduce, L. subtus below (fr. sub under) + ducere to lead. See Duke, and cf. Subduct. ] 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. [ 1913 Webster ]

I will subdue all thine enemies. 1 Chron. xvii. 10. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To overpower so as to disable from further resistance; to crush. [ 1913 Webster ]

Nothing could have subdued nature
To such a lowness, but his unkind daughters. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

If aught . . . were worthy to subdue
The soul of man. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. To destroy the force of; to overcome; as, medicines subdue a fever. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. To overcome, as by persuasion or other mild means; as, to subdue opposition by argument or entreaties. [ 1913 Webster ]

6. To reduce to tenderness; to melt; to soften; as, to subdue ferocity by tears. [ 1913 Webster ]

7. To make mellow; to break, as land; also, to destroy, as weeds. [ 1913 Webster ]

8. To reduce the intensity or degree of; to tone down; to soften; as, to subdue the brilliancy of colors. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- To conquer; overpower; overcome; surmount; vanquish. See Conquer. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. 1. Conquered; overpowered; crushed; submissive; mild. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Not glaring in color; soft in tone. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. Subdual. [ Obs. ] Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who, or that which, subdues; a conqueror. Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]