Subdue Meaning in English
word
səbˈdu
suhb-DOO
sʌbdjˈuː
sub-DYOO
Definition
To bring someone or something under control, often by force. It can also mean to calm strong emotions, reactions, or feelings.
Usage & Nuances
Formal and slightly literary. Common with emotions ("subdue anger"), violence ("subdue a suspect"), or nature ("subdue the fire"). It emphasizes bringing something under control, often against resistance.
Spanish: someter - dominar - controlarPortuguese (BR): subjugar - dominar - controlarPortuguese (PT): subjugar - dominar - controlarChinese (Simplified): 制服 - 征服 - 控制Chinese (Traditional): 制服 - 征服 - 控制Hindi: वश में करना - दबानाArabic: يُخضِع - يسيطر على - يكبحBengali: বশ করা - দমন করাRussian: подчинять - подавлятьJapanese: 制圧する - 抑えるVietnamese: khuất phục - chế ngựKorean: 진압하다 - 억누르다Turkish: baskın çıkmak - bastırmakUrdu: قابو پانا - دباناIndonesian: menaklukkan - meredam
Example Sentences
The police had to subdue the man after he became violent.
basic
She tried to subdue her fear before the presentation.
basic
Firefighters struggled to subdue the flames.
basic
It took her a few minutes to subdue her laughter and speak again.
natural
Strong measures were needed to subdue the unrest in the city.
natural
He struggled to subdue his excitement when he heard the news.
natural