All 4 Uses of
subdue
in
Othello, the Moor of Venice
- — Lay hold upon him: if he do resist, Subdue him at his peril.†
Scene 1.2 *subdue = control or put down by force or intimidation
- But, Othello, speak: Did you by indirect and forced courses Subdue and poison this young maid's affections?†
Scene 1.3
- For 'tis most easy The inclining Desdemona to subdue In any honest suit: she's fram'd as fruitful As the free elements.†
Scene 2.3
- That handkerchief Did an Egyptian to my mother give; She was a charmer, and could almost read The thoughts of people: she told her, while she kept it, 'Twould make her amiable and subdue my father Entirely to her love; but if she lost it Or made a gift of it, my father's eye Should hold her loathed, and his spirits should hunt After new fancies: she, dying, gave it me; And bid me, when my fate would have me wive, To give it her.†
Scene 3.4
Definitions:
-
(1)
(subdue as a verb as in: subdued the opposition) to control, prevent, or make less intense -- sometimes through forceThe exact meaning of subdue depends upon its context. For example:
- "subdued a nation" -- defeated militarily and brought under control
- "subdued the fever" -- made it less intense or defeated it
- "subdued her enthusiasm" -- made it less intense
- "subdued her fears" -- made them less intense or overcame them
- "subdued my emotions" -- kept them under control
- "subdued the crowd" -- quieted or controlled it
-
(2)
(subdued adjective as in: subdued colors or mood) not intense, or less activeThe exact meaning of subdued depends upon its context. For example:
- "subdued colors" -- not too bright (soft, not intense)
- "a subdued voice" -- quiet; perhaps whispered
- "a subdued mood" -- quiet and less active; perhaps a bit sad or thoughtful
- "subdued summer activity" -- less active or busy than normal
- (3) (meaning too rare to warrant focus)