Both Uses of
subdue
in
Crime and Punishment, by Dostoyevsky
- He held out his hand and shook hands, still apparently making desperate efforts to subdue his mirth and utter a few words to introduce himself.†
Chpt 3.5 *subdue = control or put down by force or intimidation
- Exactly twenty minutes after Razumihin's departure, there came two subdued but hurried knocks at the door: he had come back.†
Chpt 3.1
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)