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Added 9 October 2026

subdue

/səbˈdu/ verb

In Latin: subdō, pācō Wiktionary

verb Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about subdue at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

Put down by force or intimidation.
The government quashes any attempt of an uprising
Bring under control by force or authority.
suppress a nascent uprising
Hold within limits and control.
subdue one's appetites

Origin

From Middle English subdewen, subduen, sodewen, from Old French souduire, from Latin subdūcō (“to draw away”), perhaps influenced by subdō (“to subdue, subject”).

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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