subdued Meaning, Definition & Usage

1. verb put down by force or intimidation
   subdue; reduce; repress; quash; subjugate; keep down.
   
   • The government quashes any attempt of an uprising
   • China keeps down her dissidents very efficiently
   • The rich landowners subjugated the peasants working the land
2. verb to put down by force or authority
   inhibit; stamp down; subdue; suppress; curb; conquer.
   
   • suppress a nascent uprising
   • stamp down on littering
   • conquer one's desires
3. verb hold within limits and control
   crucify; subdue; mortify.
   
   • subdue one's appetites
   • mortify the flesh
4. verb get on top of; deal with successfully
   get over; master; subdue; overcome; surmount.
   
   • He overcame his shyness
5. verb make subordinate, dependent, or subservient
   subordinate; subdue.
   
   • Our wishes have to be subordinated to that of our ruler
6. verb correct by punishment or discipline
   chasten; subdue; tame.
   
7. adjective satellite in a softened tone
   muted; hushed; quiet.
   
   • hushed voices
   • muted trumpets
   • a subdued whisper
   • a quiet reprimand
8. adjective satellite restrained in style or quality
   low-key; low-keyed.
   
   • a little masterpiece of low-keyed eloquence
9. adjective satellite quieted and brought under control
   
   • children were subdued and silent
10. adjective satellite not brilliant or glaring
    soft.
    
    • the moon cast soft shadows
    • soft pastel colors
    • subdued lighting
11. adjective satellite lacking in light; not bright or harsh
    dim.
    
    • a dim light beside the bed
    • subdued lights and soft music

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