subdue

IPA/səbˈdjuː/
KK[səbdˈu]IPA/səbˈduː/

subdue — verb

  • subduepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • subdueshe / she / it
  • subduedpast simple
  • subduing-ing form

1. to use physical strength, weapons, or authority to defeat someone or something a

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

to use physical strength, weapons, or authority to defeat someone or something and make them stop resisting — for example, police subduing a dangerous suspect or an army subduing a rebellion.

例句

The security guard quickly subdued the intruder by tackling him to the ground.

subdue + person by physical force

Government troops were sent to subdue the rebellion in the northern provinces.

subdue + rebellion / uprising

同義詞
  • overpower

    emphasizes using superior physical strength to defeat someone

  • conquer

    broader and more final; implies defeating and taking lasting control of land or a people

  • defeat

    more general; can refer to any kind of contest or conflict, not necessarily physical

  • subjugate

    more formal and oppressive; implies keeping someone in a position of submission over time

反義詞
  • liberate

    to set someone free from control or oppression

  • surrender

    to give up resistance and submit to an opponent's control

文法句型

subdue + noun phrase (person / group / uprising)

用法筆記

The object is typically a person, group, animal, or uprising. The means of subduing is usually physical force, military action, or the credible threat of it. Distinguish from Sense 2 (REDUCE FORCE), where the object is an abstract force or emotion rather than a living subject.

常見錯誤

❌The teacher subdued the students by giving them extra homework.
✅The teacher calmed the students by giving them extra homework.
💡Subdue implies force or authority strong enough to overcome active resistance; using it for routine classroom discipline sounds exaggerated.

2. to make something weaker, quieter, or less active — for example, subduing a feel

2.動詞及物C1
釋義

to make something weaker, quieter, or less active — for example, subduing a feeling of anger, the sound of a loud engine, or the spread of a fire.

例句

Felipe took a deep breath to subdue his anger before speaking.

subdue + emotion (anger / fear / excitement)

Firefighters worked through the night to subdue the wildfire before it reached the village.

subdue + wildfire / blaze / natural force

同義詞
  • suppress

    stronger and often implies actively preventing something from being noticed or expressed

  • quell

    suggests stopping something that has already started, especially unrest or fear

  • curb

    focuses on limiting or restraining growth or development

  • moderate

    softer and more neutral, implying a reduction in degree rather than forceful control

反義詞
  • intensify

    to make something stronger or more extreme

  • provoke

    to cause a reaction, especially a strong or angry one

文法句型

subdue + noun phrase (emotion / force / natural phenomenon)

用法筆記

Common objects include emotions (anger, fear, excitement), sounds (noise), natural forces (fire, flames), and economic conditions (inflation). Frequently used in formal or written contexts.

常見錯誤

❌She subdued her coffee before it got cold.
✅She subdued her anger before it got worse.
💡Subdue is used for emotions, reactions, or natural forces, not for physical objects like food or drink.