subduing

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Subdue \Sub*due"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Subdued}; p. pr. & vb.
   n. {Subduing}.] [OE. soduen, OF. sosduire to seduce, L.
   subtus below (fr. sub under) + ducere to lead. See {Duke},
   and cf. {Subduct}.]
   1. To bring under; to conquer by force or the exertion of
      superior power, and bring into permanent subjection; to
      reduce under dominion; to vanquish.
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            I will subdue all thine enemies.      --1 Chron.
                                                  xvii. 10.
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   2. To overpower so as to disable from further resistance; to
      crush.
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            Nothing could have subdued nature
            To such a lowness, but his unkind daughters. --Shak.
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            If aught . . . were worthy to subdue
            The soul of man.                      --Milton.
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   3. To destroy the force of; to overcome; as, medicines subdue
      a fever.
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   4. To render submissive; to bring under command; to reduce to
      mildness or obedience; to tame; as, to subdue a stubborn
      child; to subdue the temper or passions.
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   5. To overcome, as by persuasion or other mild means; as, to
      subdue opposition by argument or entreaties.
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   6. To reduce to tenderness; to melt; to soften; as, to subdue
      ferocity by tears.
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   7. To make mellow; to break, as land; also, to destroy, as
      weeds.
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   8. To reduce the intensity or degree of; to tone down; to
      soften; as, to subdue the brilliancy of colors.
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   Syn: To conquer; overpower; overcome; surmount; vanquish. See
        {Conquer}.
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