3 uses
(click/touch triangles for details)
1 —1 use
verb as in: subdued the opposition
Definition
to control, prevent, or make less intense — sometimes through force
The 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
- Dewey-and the majority of his colleagues, as well-favored the second hypothesis, which in many essentials followed the first, the important difference being that the killer was not alone but had an accomplice, who helped subdue the family, tape, and tie them.2 — Persons Unknown (7% in)
There are no more uses of "subdue" flagged with this meaning in In Cold Blood.
Typical Usage
(best examples)
? —2 uses
exact meaning not specified
- Nye, whose normal voice is cuttingly nasal and naturally intimidating, was attempting a subdued timbre, a disarming, throw-away style.3 — Answer (12% in)
- Nowadays, Garden City, which was once a rather raucous frontier town, is quite subdued.2 — Persons Unknown (4% in)
There are no more uses of "subdue" in In Cold Blood.
Typical Usage
(best examples)