Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SUB-DUE, v.t. [subdu'; This is a compound word, and the latter component part is contracted from some word in Class Db or Dg.]

1. To conquer by force or the exertion of superior power and bring into permanent subjection; to reduce under dominion. Thus Cesar subdued the Gauls; Augustus subdued Egypt; the English subdued Canada. Subduing implies conquest or vanquishing, but it implies also more permanence of subjection to the conquering power, than either these words. I will subdue all thine enemies. – 1 Chron. xvii.
2. To oppress; to crush; to sink; to overpower so as to disable from further resistance. Nothing could have subdu'd nature / To such a lowness, but his unkind daughters. – Shak. If aught were worthy to subdue / The soul of man. – Milton.
3. To tame; to break by conquering a refractory temper or evil passions; to render submissive; as, to subdue a stubborn child.
4. To conquer; to reduce to mildness; as, to subdue the temper or passions.
5. To overcome by persuasion or other mild means; as, to subdue opposition by argument or entreaties.
6. To overcome; to conquer; to captivate; as by charms.
7. To soften; to melt; to reduce to tenderness; as, to subdue ferocity by tears.
8. To overcome; to overpower and destroy the force of; as medicines subdue a fever.
9. To make mellow; to break; as land; also, to destroy, as weeds.