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Subduing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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subduing

[səbˈdjuː.ɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

act of control

Subduing refers to the action of bringing someone or something under control, particularly through force or persuasion. It often involves overpowering or defeating an opponent, whether in a physical, emotional, or psychological sense. The term can be applied in various contexts, including military operations, personal relationships, or even self-discipline. It's commonly associated with reducing the intensity of something, like emotions or rebellion.

Synonyms

conquering, controlling, defeating, quelling, restraining.

Examples of usage

  • The police were subduing the angry crowd.
  • She struggled with subduing her fears during the presentation.
  • The general focused on subduing enemy forces.
  • They found ways to subdue their concerns about the project.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Subduing emotions can help people manage stress and maintain mental well-being.
  • Techniques like deep breathing or meditation are often used to help individuals calm their minds.
  • People often need to subdue their fears to take on new challenges, demonstrating bravery.

History

  • Many historical leaders have used subduing practices to maintain peace during conflicts.
  • The subduing of land often involved negotiations or treaties, reflecting power dynamics in historical contexts.
  • In medieval times, knights would subdue opponents in tournaments, showing prowess and control.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, heroic characters often subdue villains to save the day, illustrating a classic trope of good versus evil.
  • Music can have a subduing effect, where calming tunes help listeners relax or find focus.
  • Fictional stories often depict characters who learn to subdue their inner demons, showcasing personal growth.

Science

  • In biology, subduing can refer to controlling aggressive behaviors in animals for research purposes.
  • Experiments often aim to subdue external variables to better understand a specific phenomenon.
  • In ecology, subduing invasive species helps protect native habitats and biodiversity.

Origin of 'subduing'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'subducere', meaning to take away from underneath.
  • It developed in Middle English from the Old French 'subduire', which meant to conquer or bring under control.
  • The prefix 'sub-' means 'under' or 'below', and connects to the idea of putting something down or making it less.

The word 'subduing' originates from the Latin word 'subducere,' which combines 'sub-' meaning 'under' and 'ducere' meaning 'to lead.' This etymology reflects the concept of leading or bringing something beneath control. The term evolved through Middle English as 'subduen,' which maintained the same core meaning. Over time, it became more commonly used in English literature and conversation to describe the act of bringing under control various elements, ranging from people to situations. As societies evolved, the need to subdue chaos, insurrections, or opposing forces in both personal and larger contexts made this word increasingly relevant. Today, it is often employed in discussions about leadership, psychology, and conflict resolution.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,751, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.