Word
subdue
Phoneticssub·due, stress on the second syllable
US/səbˈdu/
UK/sʌbdjˈuː/
Definitions
01to control by force
C1 · Advanced Formal
v. to use force to stop someone from fighting or to take control of a place.
v. to bring a person, group, or territory under physical or political control, typically through the use of superior force.
“The police managed to subdue the suspect without anyone getting hurt.”
“Government forces moved quickly to subdue the rebellion in the northern provinces before the unrest could spread to the capital.”
02to quieten a feeling
C1 · Advanced Formal
v. to make a strong feeling or a bright colour less intense.
v. to reduce the intensity of a physical sensation, emotion, or visual quality.
“She tried to subdue her excitement so she wouldn't seem unprofessional.”
“The interior designer used soft lighting and neutral tones to subdue the harsh natural glare of the sun-drenched atrium.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object. Often used in the passive voice when describing the outcome of a conflict.
Real-World Examples
“Passengers were able to wrestle the suspected hijacker from the cockpit and subdue him, the paper said.” “As the plane began to dive, passengers and a crew member pushed their way into the cockpit, subduing the attacker.” “Their venom and bites evolved to subdue prey that is far smaller than a human.” Etymology
From Middle English subdewen, subduen, sodewen, from Old French souduire, from Latin subdūcō (“to draw away”), perhaps influenced by subdō (“to subdue, subject”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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