subdue

Everyday

1. To subdue is to get control over a person, group or country, usually by force: «The army subdued the rebels». tree →
2. To subdue a feeling is to calm it or hold it back, like subduing your excitement or anger. tree →
3. To subdue light, colour or sound is to make it softer or quieter. tree →

In the lessons

In history lessons, kings and armies «subdue» lands and peoples; the Romans subdued much of Britain. In stories, a hero may subdue a monster or a thief. In everyday and feelings talk, you might try to subdue your nerves before a test. Phrases: «subdue the enemy», «subdue a fire», «subdue a laugh».

Examples

• The Romans subdued many tribes in Britain. tree →
• Police officers subdued the man who was shouting. tree →
• She tried to subdue her giggles in assembly. tree →
• Firefighters worked all night to subdue the flames. tree →
• The knight subdued the dragon in the end. tree →
• Dimmer lights subdued the bright room. tree →
• It took the vet two helpers to subdue the frightened horse. tree →
• When we are not at peace amongst ourselves it is no easy thing to subdue an enemy. tree →

Note

Regular verb: drop the final e before -ing: «subduing». Past «subdued», which is also an adjective with its own meaning (quiet and sad). Formal; in everyday speech people say «calm down» or «control».

In Jewish tradition

In the Torah the word is used for conquering the land of Canaan, as when the tribes of Reuben and Gad promise to help in the conquest. In the Prophets and Writings God subdues enemies, and Micah says He will subdue sins, meaning bring them under control.

Interpretation. Micah's words are read in the Tashlich custom at Rosh Hashanah, when sins are pictured as cast into the depths of the sea.

Examples

• I would soon subdue their enemies, and turn My hand against their adversaries. (Writings PSA.81.15, JPS 1917) tree →
• even from the day that I commanded judges to be over My people Israel; and I will subdue all thine enemies. (Writings 1CH.17.10, JPS 1917) tree →
• He will again have compassion upon us; He will subdue our iniquities; and Thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea. (Prophets MIC.7.19, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Regular verb: drop the final e before -ing: «subduing». Past «subdued», which is also an adjective with its own meaning (quiet and sad). Formal; in everyday speech people say «calm down» or «control».