5 uses
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1 —3 uses
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
- But my father needs permission only from the Saviour, who obviously is all in favor of subduing the untamed wilderness for a garden.Book 1 — Genesis (39% in)
- Book One GENESIS And God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.Book 1 — Genesis (0% in)
- I got out and walked very slowly behind the truck, to subdue my panic.Book 5 — Exodus (92% in)
There are no more uses of "subdue" flagged with this meaning in The Poisonwood Bible.
Typical Usage
(best examples)
? —2 uses
exact meaning not specified
- Soiled and subdued, she looked like a small malnourished relative of my previous sister.Book 4 — Bel and the Serpent (50% in)
- Somewhere in this subdued family din I was presumed to have been minding my own business for many hours.Book 2 — Revelation (54% in)
There are no more uses of "subdue" in The Poisonwood Bible.
Typical Usage
(best examples)