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Entry 8 senses Webster, 1913

Subdue

/səb-do͞o'/ · Sub·due · IPA /səbˈdu/
01 v. t. To bring under; to conquer by force or the exertion of superior power, and bring into permanent subjection; to reduce under dominion; to va…
imp. & p. p. Subdued; p. pr. & vb. n. Subduing
  1. 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.
    “I will subdue all thine enemies.” — 1 Chron. xvii. 10.
  2. 2.
    To overpower so as to disable from further resistance; to crush.
    “Nothing could have subdued nature To such a lowness, but his unkind daughters.” — Shak.
    “If aught . . . were worthy to subdue The soul of man.” — Milton.
  3. 3.
    To destroy the force of; to overcome; as, medicines subdue a fever.
  4. 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.
  5. 5.
    To overcome, as by persuasion or other mild means; as, to subdue opposition by argument or entreaties.
  6. 6.
    To reduce to tenderness; to melt; to soften; as, to subdue ferocity by tears.
  7. 7.
    To make mellow; to break, as land; also, to destroy, as weeds.
  8. 8.
    To reduce the intensity or degree of; to tone down; to soften; as, to subdue the brilliancy of colors.
Syn. To conquer; overpower; overcome; surmount; vanquish. See Conquer.