subdue

verb

correct by punishment or discipline

make subordinate, dependent, or subservient

get on top of

hold within limits and control

bring under control by force or authority

put down by force or intimidation

Roots

subsub- · Latin · under, below

Synonyms for subdue

subjugatev suppressv conquerv tameadj repressv overcomev overpowerv chastenv quashv overmasterv quellv restrainv vanquishv pacifyv overwhelmv tranquilizev

Synonyms & related words for subdue

Find synonyms, related words, and the definition of subdue — including subjugate, suppress, conquer, tame, repress, overcome. Dendril is a free visual thesaurus that shows them on an interactive map where stronger matches sit closer to the center — no signup, no ads.

Words related to subdue

Explore words related to subdue — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include subduement, subdual, subduable, subact, subduer, unsubduable, mortify, adaw. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for subdue

Common synonyms for subdue include subjugate, suppress, conquer, tame, repress, overcome, overpower, chasten — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does subdue come from?

The word subdue breaks down into one root of Latin origin: the root sub-, from Latin sub (“under, below”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.